KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Prime Minister Andrew Holness has urged partnership with the diplomatic community in helping Jamaica to tackle the trafficking of contraband, particularly small weapons, into the island.

Noting that Jamaica’s location and large maritime space makes it particularly vulnerable to illegal trade, he called for the support of neighbouring countries, as well as states that manufacture and export guns.

Holness was addressing members of the diplomatic corps during a meeting at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel today, as part of activities for Diplomatic Week.

“We are asking for other investments as well. We do want the support of your countries in ensuring that the various treaties that surround the trade of small weapons, which have such a negative impact on countries like Jamaica, that those treaties are supported and indeed effected,” he said.

He commended the country’s bilateral partners, who have sponsored programmes to address the issue of violence in the country, and assured that the Government will be seeking to intensify those partnerships.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is observing Diplomatic Week from February 5 to 10 under the theme: ‘Growth through Partnerships’. 

Activities are designed to bring together diplomats for briefings and exposure to various aspects of Jamaica’s political, economic, cultural and social life and to strengthen engagement.

Twenty-four non-resident High Commissioners and Ambassadors have joined their resident counterparts in Kingston for the observance.