Illegal weapons cross borders easier than a tin of corned beef – PM

With a simple handshake and the exchange of a quantity of marijuana, cocaine, an electronic gadget, or an agreed quantity of cash, unlicensed guns and bullets can make their way across the borders of St Vincent and the Grenadines.{{more}}

During his presentation at the Fourth Regional Workshop on Negotiations for the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said that it is easier for illegal arms and ammunition to enter this country and get into the hands of criminals, than it is to import basic, legal, household products.

“Today, I tell you, as I told the Attorney General: the peaceful, open, vulnerable societies of our region need this Treaty to stem the swelling tide of increasingly powerful and dangerous weapons and ammunition. We cannot survive in a world where guns and ammunition cross our borders more easily than a tin of corned beef,” Gonsalves said at a workshop on March 6.

SEARCHLIGHT sought to ascertain the ease with which corned beef, or any legally imported item for that matter, makes its way from the regional or international manufacturers to the homes of the consumer.

A spokesperson of one of this country’s shipping agencies informed SEARCHLIGHT that the process to be followed for importing a product, in particular corned beef, may take up to two weeks.

“A lot of foodstuff require licenses, so in the case of corned beef, you might have to get a license from the veterinarian division first before you are allowed to even order.”

The spokesperson said that when the item is landed here, the product has to be inspected by customs officials, as well as the division issuing the license.

“Then, once it corresponds, you have to go through Port Authority. Port Authority will have to make sure that your shipment corresponds with their documents, that is, the bill of lading and the delivery.

“And then you exit and take it to your premises.”

Added to the time and inspections, the spokesperson noted that there are a number of costs that are incurred along the way.

These include stamp and other duties, port charges, and if there is a delay in the process, warehouse rent.

The spokesperson indicated that the process is generally the same, with some variations, when it comes to legally importing any item, including a firearm.(JJ)