During the recent 7th Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith reaffirmed Jamaica’s appeal for a concerted worldwide effort against the illegal trade in guns.
- Advertisement -
“Security continues to be a concern for the region and has worsened due to illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons. Gun violence continues to be particularly problematic in countries like Jamaica that do not manufacture weapons,” she noted.
She continued, “Jamaica, therefore, supports the CELAC’s Special Declaration on the need to combat illicit trafficking of firearms, their parts, components and ammunition, proposed by Mexico and which is aligned with our commitment to curbing the proliferation and availability of illicit firearms that contribute to the high levels of violence and insecurity within the region.”
Johnson Smith voiced displeasure over the rich countries’ failure to uphold their obligations to reduce emissions in relation to climate change.
She urged CELAC to, “continue to reinforce greater solidarity and cooperation in climate resilience and disaster risk management.”
The foreign minister further exhorted CELAC to embrace the demands made by Caricom nations for a multidimensional vulnerability index and a new international financial architecture that is in line with sustainable development aspirations.
Regarding regional self-sufficiency, Minister Johnson Smith stated that “through the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean Health Self-Sufficiency Plan, and the CELAC Plan for Food and Nutrition Security, CELAC has been able to leverage self-reliance in producing vaccines, improving competitiveness and in working towards the Eradication of Hunger in 2025.
Additionally, Jamaica expressed its gratitude and praise for Argentina’s CELAC chairmanship. She also made notice of the historic import of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines assuming the Pro-Tempore Presidency of CELAC.
At the Summit, Prime Minister Holness was represented by Johnson Smith.
