Caribbean leaders have pledged to strengthen regional cooperation in the fight against gang violence and crime, as they reaffirmed their support for Haiti, a nation the United Nations says remains “paralyzed” by gang control.
Newly appointed CARICOM Chair and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced that regional security would be a “matter of great priority” during his tenure. Speaking at the opening of the 49th Regular CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Holness stressed the urgency of coordinated action, particularly in light of Haiti’s deteriorating security situation.
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Holness also expressed concern about the sluggish international response to Haiti’s crisis, declaring, “We must dismantle the influence of gangs in our communities, disrupt their finances… I am on record as saying that we need to launch a war on gangs of a similar magnitude and nature to the ‘war on terror.’”
United Front on Crime and Violence
Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne described crime and security as “one of the most significant existential threats facing the region.” He emphasized the need for collaboration, warning that transnational crime networks are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
“The criminals are getting far more advanced. It is important for us to conjoin our efforts across CARICOM to effectively combat this,” Browne said.
St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew also welcomed a collective regional approach. “Security remains a concern on multiple levels, with Haiti being the most affected. A coordinated response from all member states is critical,” Drew stated.
Tragically, as the conference was underway, Haiti’s iconic Hotel Oloffson — once a symbol of the nation’s cultural pride — was destroyed by gang-related arson in Port-au-Prince. The hotel had hosted world leaders, artists, and celebrities, including Mick Jagger and various Haitian presidents.
According to the UN, over 4,000 people have been killed in Haiti since January — a 24% increase over the same period last year.
Haiti’s Call for Regional Action
Laurent Saint-Cyr, a member of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council, addressed the summit and urged CARICOM nations to step up their support.
“Haiti today needs the region to speak with one voice in defense of security, peace, and sustainable development,” he said. He also called for intensified advocacy to curb the illicit arms and drug trades that fuel violence in the country.
Holness proposed the creation of a regional justice and security framework, aimed at delivering a strong, unified response to organized crime throughout the Caribbean.
Gun Trafficking and External Influences
Outgoing CARICOM Chair and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, focused on the role of U.S. gun trafficking in fueling regional violence.
“Regrettably, I’ve said over and over — we pay a high price for the Second Amendment rights of U.S. citizens,” Mottley noted, criticizing the steady flow of illegal firearms into the Caribbean.
In 2024, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced legislation targeting gun trafficking to the region. Jamaican officials estimated that up to 200 firearms are trafficked into the country monthly, directly contributing to violence and aiding drug trafficking networks.
Despite these challenges, Jamaica has reported a more than 40% drop in murders during the first five months of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. Officials credit this success to a multibillion-dollar investment in national security and the integration of advanced crime-fighting technology. Holness presented some of Jamaica’s tech-driven policing strategies at the CARICOM meeting, showcasing how surveillance, analytics, and rapid-response systems have improved law enforcement efficiency.
Strengthening Justice Institutions
Mottley also reiterated the importance of adopting the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as the region’s final appellate court, highlighting the swearing-in of its new president, Jamaican jurist Winston Anderson, during the summit.
The CCJ currently serves as the final court of appeal for Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Dominica, and St. Lucia. However, many CARICOM nations still rely on the UK-based Privy Council.
“We are aware that some countries require referendums,” Mottley said, encouraging public education efforts to build support for the regional court system.
Looking Ahead
With Haiti’s crisis deepening and regional crime networks growing more advanced, CARICOM leaders are signaling a decisive shift toward shared responsibility, strategic cooperation, and sustained action.
“This is not just about one country,” Holness said. “It’s about safeguarding the future of the entire Caribbean.”
