T&T PM calls for Mexico help in crime battle

(Trinidad Express) The illicit drug trade, trafficking in illegal guns, gang violence, human trafficking and smuggling are all challenges facing the Caribbean, said Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as she addressed the Second Caricom-Mexico Summit in Bridgetown, Barbados, yesterday.
She also raised concerns about cyber-crime, international terrorism, money laundering and the exploitation of women and children.
In a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday, Persad-Bissessar said these were “worrying trends in crime and security”.
Persad-Bissessar called on Heads of Government to emphasise the link between security and development and support action towards combating crime at all levels involving regional security institutions, and for “…international collaboration in advocating the use of crime prevention and management strategies, alongside the criminal justice approach to addressing the increase in criminal activity”.
She suggested regional leaders seek the support of Mexico in functional co-operation to counter the illicit trafficking of narcotics, as well as Mexico’s supporting role in the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI).
She also highlighted Caricom member states’ commitment to combat the trade of small arms and light weapons and support for the Arms Trade Treaty, noting Mexico’s advocacy for a robust legally binding treaty that matched Caricom position.
Persad-Bissessar also proposed Mexico support capacity building in polygraphing as an area of collaboration with Caricom, given that country’s institutional capacity and training experience.
Similarly, the call was made to seek Mexico’s support in resource mobilisation, sharing best practices in youth gangs and violence. She requested financial and technical support from Mexico for anti-money laundering interventions and combating the financing of terrorism.
Mexican President Felipe Calderón, in his contribution, also noted organised crime posed a significant challenge to the region and he reminded the meeting that Mexico at the sixth Summit of the Americas in Colombia had recommended the creation of a Hemispheric Scheme against Transnational Organised Crime.
Calderón also said greater free trade is a stimulus for growth and development, and that this is one of the issues Mexico will advocate for at the next G20 meeting in Mexico next month.