Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith has reiterated Jamaica’s call for a concerted international effort against the illegal trade in firearms at the 7th Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) on Tuesday.

“Security continues to be a concern for the region and has worsened due to illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons. Gun violence continues to be particularly problematic in countries like Jamaica that do not manufacture weapons,” she said.

“Jamaica, therefore, supports the CELAC’s Special Declaration on the need to combat illicit trafficking of firearms, their parts, components and ammunition, proposed by Mexico and which is aligned with our commitment to curb the proliferation and availability of illicit firearms that contribute to the high levels of violence and insecurity within the region,” she added.

Regarding climate change, Johnson Smith expressed disappointment in the failure of developed countries to honour their commitments to cut emissions.

She encouraged CELAC to “continue to reinforce greater solidarity and cooperation in climate resilience and disaster risk management.”

The foreign minister also urged CELAC to support Caricom countries’ calls for a new international financial architecture aligned with the sustainable development goals, and a multidimensional vulnerability index which supports sustainable development.”

In terms of regional self-sufficiency, Minister Johnson Smith noted that “through the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean Health Self-Sufficiency Plan, and the CELAC Plan for Food and Nutrition Security, CELAC has been able to leverage self-reliance in producing vaccines, improving competitiveness and in working towards the Eradication of Hunger in 2025.”

Jamaica’s appreciation and commendations for Argentina’s presidency of CELAC were also expressed. At the same time, she noted the historic significance of the assumption of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines of the Pro-Tempore Presidency of CELAC.

Johnson Smith was representing Prime Minister Holness at the Summit.