TT records increase in violent crimes

This was revealed by National Security Minister Martin Joseph in a statement to mark a Week of Action Against Small Arms which is currently being commemorated in this country. According to the Minister, 62.7 percent of the murders committed within that period involved the use of firearms.

The minister said the local observance, which is being spearheaded by the Women’s Institute for Alternative Development (WINAD), is part of a global initiative to draw attention and bring an end to small arms proliferation and misuse.

He noted, "As a member of the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA), WINAD is one of over 500 organisations involved in action against small arms. One of its primary objectives is to underscore the human toll of small arms proliferation and misuse and in so doing, highlight its crippling effects on the quality of life and rate of development of countries.

"As we move toward the attainment of developed nation status by 2020, Trinidad and Tobago, like many countries across the world, recognises the staggering realities of this problem and its links to other serious crimes, such as the trade in illicit narcotics, with all its attendant ills."

Joseph said the WINAD/IANSA observance was "very timely and appropriate" since it coincides with intensified efforts in this country to reduce and eradicate the use of illicit firearms.

"Not being a firearm producer itself, Trinidad and Tobago has focused its attention on preventing the illegal importation and use of firearms by developing our law enforcement and border protection capacity, improving our legislative framework and adhering, as far as possible, to the principles and standards being established by the international community, including the 2001 United Nations Programme of Action to Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons In All Its Aspects."

The minister said the Week of Action Against Small Arms provided an opportunity to reflect on "our individual roles in bringing to an end the culture of violence that has developed among certain sectors of our population."