Illicit guns fuel crime, threaten Caribbean stability – Guyana’s UN rep

…as Guyana leads CARICOM call for stronger global firearms controls

Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, who is also the Chair of the CARICOM Caucus of Permanent Representatives, has called for strengthened controls over firearm marking, record-keeping, and tracing in full accordance with the International Tracing Instrument (ITI), emphasizing that effective tracing remains an essential tool in disrupting illicit supply chains and increasing transparency in global arms flows.
She made these remarks during the Biennial Meeting of States to Consider the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in All Its Aspects.
The statement was delivered by Rodrigues-Birkett in her capacity as Chair of the CARICOM Caucus of Permanent Representatives for May and June 2026 under Agenda Item Seven: Consideration of Implementation of the UN Programme of Action and the International Tracing Instrument to Enable States to Identify and Trace, in a Timely and Reliable Manner, Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons, Including the Prevention and Detection of Diversion of SALW to Unauthorized Recipients and Illicit Markets.
According to Rodrigues-Birkett, Guyana remains particularly concerned about the persistent flow of illicit firearms into the Caribbean, which she noted is often facilitated through diversion from legal markets, weak stockpile management, and increasingly sophisticated trafficking methods.
She explained that CARICOM continues to stress the need to address these challenges through strengthened international cooperation, shared responsibility, and enhanced accountability among states.
“The Caribbean Community also underscores the importance of preventing and detecting diversion at every stage of the life cycle of small arms and light weapons. In this regard, we call for strengthened controls over marking, record-keeping, and tracing, in full accordance with the ITI. Effective tracing remains an essential tool in disrupting illicit supply chains and bringing greater transparency to global arms flows.”
Rodrigues-Birkett further posited that CARICOM remains unwavering in its commitment to the full and effective implementation of the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons and the International Tracing Instrument.
In her view, the Caribbean region continues to face significant challenges as the proliferation of small arms and light weapons remains a serious threat to peace, security, and sustainable development.
“The illicit trade in small arms and light weapons continues to fuel violent crime, enable gangs and transnational organized criminal networks, undermine the rule of law, impede socio-economic progress, and threaten the stability of our small and vulnerable states.”
Addressing technological developments, she acknowledged that while advancements offer opportunities for improved implementation, significant challenges remain.
“We also note the growing impact of technological developments for the implementation of the Programme of Action and the International Tracing Instrument. While innovations such as digital record systems and improved marking technologies can significantly enhance implementation, emerging risks such as easy access to 3D printing, challenges posed by modular weapons, the increasing use of polymer components, obliterated serial numbers, conversion devices, and new manufacturing techniques present serious challenges for regulation, tracing, law enforcement, and community safety and require urgent attention.”
Capacity constraints
Meanwhile, she highlighted that capacity constraints continue to pose major challenges for many CARICOM member states.
“We therefore stress the importance of sustained, predictable, and targeted international assistance, including technical support, training, and resource mobilization, to strengthen national control systems, law enforcement capabilities, and border security. Enhancing regional cooperation mechanisms is equally vital, including through information sharing and coordinated operations.”
Rodrigues-Birkett added that CARICOM supports continued dialogue on how technology can be responsibly leveraged while addressing its potential misuse in facilitating illicit trafficking and diversion.
At the regional level, she noted that CARICOM continues to translate global commitments into practical action through initiatives aimed at addressing firearm-related challenges.
She explained that the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap, supported by CARICOM IMPACS and other partners, provides a structured regional framework designed to strengthen regulatory systems, reduce illicit firearm flows, enhance law enforcement capacity, and minimize the risk of diversion from both government and non-government arsenals.
She further highlighted that through regional cooperation, member states are advancing initiatives focused on firearm marking, record-keeping, tracing, ballistic cooperation, crime-gun intelligence, physical security and stockpile management, weapons and ammunition management, and the safe, secure, and sustainable disposal of firearms and ammunition.
She added that these efforts demonstrate the importance of regional and subregional cooperation mechanisms as force multipliers for small states.
Amidst this, Rodrigues-Birkett reaffirmed CARICOM’s steadfast commitment to strengthening implementation of both the Programme of Action and the International Tracing Instrument.
“In closing, CARICOM reaffirms its steadfast commitment to strengthening the implementation of the Programme of Action and the International Tracing Instrument. We remain ready to work in close partnership with all stakeholders to prevent, combat, and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons, and to advance safer and more secure societies for our peoples.”