PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) and the Small Arms Survey (SAS) have signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), cementing their commitment to deepen joint efforts against the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons (SALW), as well as armed violence across the Caribbean region.
The renewed partnership, which was signed on 3 December 2025, at CARICOM IMPACS’ headquarters in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, builds upon the foundation established by the initial 2021 MoU, which focused on advancing evidence-based policy and helping Member States meet their regional and international security commitments.
Lt. Col. Michael Jones, executive director, CARICOM IMPACS, highlighted the immediate, practical success of the collaboration stating:
“In the years since (the first MoU), we have produced a series of concrete policy and research products that have strengthened the region’s response to firearms trafficking and armed violence – most notably the 2023 Caribbean Firearms Study, and now the recently released Pathway to Policy: Illicit Firearms and Public Health in the Caribbean Report, which we launched. These are critical tools for ministers, permanent secretaries and practitioners working every day to save lives and reduce harm.”
The updated MoU not only preserves the existing successful framework but significantly expands cooperation into critical areas, including joint research and analysis, capacity building for CARICOM member states, specialised policy support and technical assistance, enhanced information exchange and the design of joint initiatives that align closely with the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap and the updated CARICOM Security Strategy (CSS).
The signing of the updated agreement underscores the commitment of both organisations to provide practical, data-driven support for the region’s security architecture.
Lt. Col. Jones concluded by expressing CARICOM IMPACS’ gratitude to the SAS for its continued partnership and commitment to the Caribbean.
“We look forward to building on the success of our collaboration so far and to delivering even more practical, data-driven support to our member states in the years ahead,” he added.
