Acting Deputy Commissioner Kendall Grant Attends High Level Regional Security Meeting in Panama

Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Kendall Grant

Acting Deputy Commissioner Kendall Grant recently attended a two-day, high-level conference in Panama on empowering nations to strengthen cooperation on the illegal trafficking of firearms in the Caribbean. 

Senior law enforcement staff, international partners, and United Nations officials met to discuss the increasing threat posed by unauthorized firearms entering the region, especially through networks that are connected to the instability in Haiti. 

Deputy Commissioner Grant stated that the trafficking of firearms remains one of the most significant sources of violent crime throughout the Caribbean region. 

“This meeting solidified our commitment to robust regional collaboration, intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement to disrupt the supply chains bringing illegal weapons to our islands,” he said. 

Participants reviewed the latest international initiatives to track down, interdict and investigate firearms trafficking. They agreed on practical measures to strengthen border security and compliance with the UN Security Council Resolution 2653 embargo. 

Deputy Commissioner Grant added, “For the Turks and Caicos Islands, this work is vital as we are positioned between regional trafficking corridors. We continue to see the cost of illicit firearms to public safety. Strengthening these partnerships and incorporating evidence-based measures will go a long way in protecting our communities and supporting regional security.”