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Attorney General, Adriel Brathwaite (left), in light conversation with Acting Deputy Commissioner, Oral Williams and Silvia Kofler, Minister Counsellor, European Union Delegation to Barbados.

Arms Trade Treaty important

There has been a spike in the number of gun-related violence all over the Caribbean, which has resulted in the need for the Arms Trade Treaty to be implemented.

This remark came from Attorney General, Adriel Brathwaite, during the opening ceremony of the Arms Trade Treaty Implementation Support Workshop, which was held at the Radisson Aquatica Resort yesterday morning.

Brathwaite lamented that over the past year, newer and more powerful firearms have been brought into the island. As a result of this, it is critical that methods to control and trace small weapons are boosted.

The Attorney General divulged that they have been training Customs officers and personnel in the post offices through various initiatives, so that they can identify and verify as many firearms as possible. He explained that having this workshop and treaty was a meaningful intervention that was necessary, so that they could work towards the eradication of the eradication of the reckless use of firearms that we see on the shore.

To ensure that the implementation of the treaty is done correctly, Brathwaite revealed that officers from Foreign Affairs and the Chief Parliamentary Council Office have been going across the world, not only to deal with the initial negotiation of the treaty but to spend time in those countries that have had success with implementing a similar treaty.

Acknowledging the fact that the country, as well as the region, does not manufacture any type of firearms, Brathwaite said it is imperative for the treaty to be taken seriously as this issue is not unique to any one country. He added that it is a significant challenge for each region and noted that he is proud of the work and support that they have been receiving from the European Union and Germany towards the implementation of the treaty.

More importantly, the attorney general believes that help is specifically needed in finding a mechanism that could be put in place to prevent more of these firearms from coming into the region. Recognising the challenges that will present themselves through trying to comply with the treaty, he said that these should not hinder the parties involved in fighting for the implementation of the treaty.

“Your assistance would mean more if we tackle the whole issue of illegal firearms into our shores,” he concluded.

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