Jamaica’s Foreign Minister, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, has made a compelling appeal to the Organisation of American States (OAS) for collective action in the war against illicit weapons.

Addressing the 53rd General Assembly of the OAS, Johnson Smith emphasised the gravity of the situation and the need to prioritise efforts in ending the flow of illegal guns within the hemisphere.

Highlighting the direct correlation between the proliferation of illicit weapons and the level of crime and violence in societies, Johnson Smith stated, “We need to wage war on illicit weapons here in our hemisphere. The flow of such weapons is inconsistent with our hemisphere’s global image as a zone of peace.”

She called for strengthened cooperation and collaborative measures to prevent these weapons from entering and causing harm within jurisdictions.

Acknowledging that while countries in the region do not manufacture these weapons, they are severely impacted by their use and availability, Johnson Smith emphasised the importance of joint efforts in addressing this pressing issue.

“In order to address this scourge, we must continue to strengthen cooperation to keep these weapons outside of our jurisdictions,” she remarked.

Johnson Smith’s appeal to the OAS underscored Jamaica’s commitment to combating the proliferation of illicit weapons and creating safer communities. By urging collective action and enhanced cooperation, she demonstrated the urgent need for joint efforts in ending the flow of illegal guns within the hemisphere.