Coordinated, Multi-sectoral Action needed to tackle firearm-related violence and trafficking in the Caribbean-Report

SEVERAL INSTITUTIONS and across the region have released a Policy Report related to firearms trafficking and public health.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the George Alleyne Chronic Disease Research Centre (GACDRC) at The University of the West Indies, and the Small Arms Survey, have announce that they have released their seminal Report, Pathway to Policy: Firearms Trafficking and Public Health in the Caribbean.

This collaborative Report provides new detailed data and analysis on the complex issues underpinning firearm related violence and trafficking in the Caribbean, and proposes data driven policy recommendations that create pathways to effective policies, a release from The UWI states. Selected findings from the Report include: The Caribbean continues to suffer from high rates of gun violence, with the situation deteriorating over time and trends varying by jurisdiction.

The proportion of homicides perpetrated with firearms increased substantially to reach 86% in 2023–24, partly due to the deteriorating conditions in Haiti.

Maritime consignments from the United States are a primary vector for illicit trafficking, with procurement clustered in small southern areas, primarily in Florida.

Seizures of rifles—especially AR and AK pattern models—have risen in recent years, but still comprise a small percentage of all seized firearms.

The average direct medical costs of treating patients with gunshot wounds greatly exceed annual healthcare expenditures per capita, as well as the costs of care for patients injured by other types of weapons.

Firearm related violence

continues to divert scarce public resources toward dealing with the impacts of violence—resources that could otherwise be invested in prevention, education, and development.The Report draws from the unique multi-sectoral partnership among CARICOM IMPACS, CARPHA, the GACDRC, and the Small Arms Survey to examine regional trends in the nature and scope of violence and in firearms trafficking, including the main types and sources of illicit weapons, and presents updated estimates of the costs of firearm related injuries in The Bahamas, Barbados, and Jamaica.

“This report demonstrates how academic research, when aligned with regional security and health priorities, can drive actionable policy.The UWI is proud to contribute evidence-based insights that support a collective vision of a safer, healthier Caribbean,” states the report.

“These insights help move the region from problem diagnosis to system wide, results oriented action,” it adds.

“The pathway forward requires harmonized data, shared accountability, and a firm commitment to treating gun violence as both a security and public health priority,” it states further.

“These research findings underscore the urgent need to strengthen health systems, invest in real time injury surveillance systems, and ensure that public health is fully integrated into violence prevention and response efforts across the Caribbean.”

The full Report is now available for download at smallarmssurvey.org.