The recent killing of a family in the Heights of Guanapo, Arima, has been bemoaned by the prime minister. Speaking before the UN General Assembly in New York the night the event took place, the T&T PM expressed disgust at what had happened.
Dr. Rowley wrongly said that five people had died when, as it turned out, there had been four fatalities and five injuries. This was due to rumors that one of the victims had later passed away in the hospital.
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Rowley stated that T&T was dedicated to growth, peace, and security but bemoaned difficulties and threats.
PM Rowley stated, “One such threat is the proliferation and use of illegal firearms in our society, which, just like in other jurisdictions, brings untold suffering to many families and communities and the nation as a whole.
He added, “Only today, Mr. President, we experienced the loss of life of five members of one family, killed by an assailant with an assault weapon.”
The PM claimed that the increased commercial accessibility of weapons and their trafficking from their nations of manufacturing into the practically defenseless Caribbean territory are the main reasons why things have become worse.
He continued by stating, “In a population of 1.4 million people, T&T experienced over 600 murders last year, 90 percent of which involved handguns and, increasingly, assault weapons.
PM Rowley noted, “Within our best efforts and a huge consumption of our already scarce resources, we have seen over 400 violent firearms-driven killings already this year.”
He said that practically all Caribbean nations were affected by this catastrophe.
T&T has made an effort to tackle these issues in a significant and comprehensive way, both individually and through Caricom.
“For this reason, earlier this year T&T hosted the Caricom Regional Symposium to address crime and violence as a public health issue, as we felt it was incumbent to promote and encourage dialogue aimed at reducing violence and preventing crime in our society.”
The criminal traffic in illegal guns must be quickly stopped, he said, adding that T&T is still committed to the Arms Trade Treaty and to cooperating with regional and international allies, including the US, “most of which are produced by gun manufacturers and promoters based in this country (US).”
Regarding a plague that threatens the safety, a feeling of security, and the continued survival of democratic governments, Rowley welcomed US assistance for T&T and Caricom, naming Haiti.
Dr. Amery Browne, the minister for foreign and Caricom affairs, Pennelope Beckles, the minister for planning, and Terrence Deyalsingh, the minister for health, were all present. Dennis Francis, who was born in Trinidad and Tobago, presided over the meeting.
