UK calls for help in plugging gun flow to Ja

The British Government has called on international partners of Jamaica to redouble their efforts in stemming the flow of illegal firearms into the country.

The charge came from Jesse Norman, the UK’s minister for the Americas and overseas territories, at the handover ceremony for four Buster density meters to the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) in Port Royal.

The equipment, valued at £20,000 or J$3.5 million, is designed to allow an inspector to determine whether a suspect vehicle tests positive for contraband in less than five minutes and allows the scanning of the average room in less than 10 minutes.

“It’s important, I think, to focus on the reduction of the flow of guns. As Prime Minister [Andrew] Holness has said, Jamaica does not produce guns. It’s not a gun-production island. It does not have an industry of guns,” said Norman.

“But as with many other Caribbean islands, it suffers from imported guns manufactured and sold elsewhere. And as we look for solutions to the plague of gun violence in this region, we must all work together,” he added.

Norman noted that the Government “cannot, and should not, seek” to tackle organised crime on its own, insisting that it needs the support of local stakeholders.

“It needs faith groups. It needs the private-sector organisations. It needs community groups if it’s going to be really effective in solving this interlocking sector of crucial social issues,” he said.

Marlon Rowe, deputy CEO of border protection of the JCA, said the donation is another valuable investment that will enable the agency’s enforcement teams to scan for concealed contraband quickly and efficiently.

“They are received at an opportune time as we move into our busy season anticipating the high volumes of cargo,” he said.

He said that the JCA is also working to establish a video-surveillance monitoring and command centre where it will have access to surveillance feeds for all areas where cargo, passenger luggage, mail, and parcels are processed.

“Organised crime transcends borders, and it is a fact that collaboration is one of the most effective tools in the arsenal against transnational criminality,” Rowe said.

“The Jamaica Customs Agency recognises the commitment of the UK Border Force to advancing efforts geared at border protection, trade facilitation, and maintaining the rule of law, and we look forward to the continued collaboration as coordinated border management can only serve to provide greater results, as we seek to stamp out criminal networks and activities that threaten the viability of our societies and economies,” he added.