On October 23, 2024, Ambassador Nicole D. Theriot addressed the CARICOM Crime Gun Intelligence Unit Sensitization and Awareness Workshop. The event was attended by notable figures such as Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn, Executive Director of CARICOM IMPACS Lt. Col. Michael Jones, Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken, Deputy Commissioner for Law Enforcement Wendell Blanhum, Permanent Secretary Andre Ally from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and Lead Investigator/Manager Terrence Roopchan from the Crime Gun Intelligence Unit.
Ambassador Theriot expressed her appreciation for being present at the workshop and shared her positive assessment of IMPACS after a recent visit to their headquarters in Port of Spain. She emphasized the collaborative efforts between the United States and Caribbean partners to combat firearms trafficking through various initiatives including National Action Plans with the UN, destruction of excess firearms with Mines Advisory Group, training for Customs officials, development of sentencing guidelines for firearms prosecutions, and addressing case backlogs across the region.
Theriot highlighted that through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative and collaboration with partners like the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), significant investments have been made to support CARICOM's efforts in tackling gun crime. Over US$2 million has been invested in establishing the CARICOM Crime Gun Intelligence Unit (CGIU) which facilitates information sharing to solve crimes and disrupt criminal networks.
The ambassador announced that new equipment would be handed over to enhance Guyana’s firearms forensic capabilities including a Bullet Catcher and an Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS). Additionally, she mentioned upcoming changes in U.S. export regulations requiring complete manifests for all cargo shipped to the Caribbean regardless of value.
She concluded by reaffirming U.S. commitment to working with regional partners to create a secure environment conducive to business growth in Guyana while combating firearms trafficking throughout the Caribbean.