I n a groundbreaking decision, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders have agreed to introduce legislation that will categorise criminal gangs as terrorist organisations, marking a significant shift in the region’s approach to combating violent crime. This unprecedented move, announced by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago, aims to dismantle criminal networks and address the “unacceptably high” levels of violence plaguing the Caribbean Community. Dr Rowley, the lead prime minister responsible for security in the CARICOM quasi-cabinet, made the announcement during a press conference late Friday at the end of the 48th CARICOM summit at the Wyndham Grand Resort – Sam Lord’s Castle.
The Trinidadian leader, whose disclosure was just one of several decisions taken following two days of intense talks, said while there is no set deadline for the proposed law to be enacted by member states, he anticipates it could be ready within months. “There is no set deadline except that an element of urgency is asked for, and we anticipate that given the quality of legislative experience put on it, that within a matter of months, we can have something to work with. So, basically that’s what we have been able to accomplish at this stage,” he told journalists.
In his final CARICOM leaders’ meeting before stepping down later this year as prime minister before his term ends, Dr Rowley said the heads spent a lot of time on the “unacceptably high” level of violen.
