16th Meeting - JSC National Security - November 9, 2022 - Firearms / Gun violence

All Notes

28 May 2025

Notes on the 16th Meeting of the Joint Select Committee on National Security

Overview

The 16th meeting of the Joint Select Committee on National Security focused on the inquiry into the security, safety, and protection of citizens in Trinidad and Tobago, particularly concerning the prevalence of illegal firearms and gun violence. The Honorable Minister of National Security, Fitzgerald Ethel with Heinz, provided insights into the government's strategies and challenges in addressing these issues.

Meeting Details

  • Date: [Insert Date]
  • Location: Parliament, Trinidad and Tobago
  • Broadcast: Live on Parliament's Channel 11, Radio 105.5 FM, and YouTube

Committee Members Present

  • Keith Scotland (Chairman)
  • Ayana Webster Roy
  • Nigel de Freitas
  • Randall Mitchell
  • Paul Richards (Vice Chair)
  • Support Team: Jackie Samson Miguel (Secretary), Brian Caesar (Assistant Secretary), Crystal Gittins, Sophia Shaw (Research Officers), Roger Hector (Legal Officer), Richard Alexander (Broadcasting Unit), Karen Joachim (IT Officer)

Objectives of the Inquiry

  • Understand factors contributing to illegal firearms and gun violence.
  • Identify trends concerning illegal firearms and gun violence.
  • Measure the effectiveness of current strategies by stakeholders.
  • Propose recommendations to Parliament.

Key Points from the Minister's Presentation

Factors Contributing to Illegal Firearms

  • Source of Firearms:

    • Majority of firearms are imported, primarily from South America and the United States.
    • Legal trade in firearms in the U.S. contributes to illegal possession in Trinidad and Tobago.

  • Border Security Improvements:

    • Installation of radar systems to monitor coastlines.
    • Acquisition of ocean patrol vessels (OPVs) for border security.
    • Establishment of the Coastal and Riverine Patrol Unit by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.

Strategic Collaborations

  • International Partnerships:
    • Collaboration with the U.S. and CARICOM nations for intelligence sharing and training.
    • Participation in international platforms (e.g., ACUP and C-CUP) for border security.

Recent Developments

  • Legal Firearms in Criminal Activity:

    • 108 legal firearms identified in criminal acts, including 4 murders and 3 suicides.
    • Concerns about negligence in firearm management by licensed owners.

  • Increase in Firearm Licenses:

    • Significant rise in the issuance of firearm user licenses, leading to potential misuse.

Challenges Identified

  • Monitoring and Regulation:

    • Need for improved mechanisms to monitor licensed firearm holders and their ammunition.
    • Concerns about the effectiveness of current regulations and audits.

  • Illegal Firearms:

    • Estimated 12,000 illegal firearms in circulation, with ongoing retrieval efforts by law enforcement.

Recommendations and Future Actions

  • Policy Review:

    • Consideration of stricter regulations on firearm licenses and ammunition purchases.
    • Potential introduction of a dedicated firearms court to expedite cases.

  • Public Safety Measures:

    • Emphasis on community involvement and support for law enforcement efforts.
    • Calls for legislative support to strengthen anti-gang laws and firearm regulations.

Visual Representation of Key Concepts

ConceptDetails
Sources of Illegal FirearmsSouth America, United States
Border Security MeasuresRadar systems, ocean patrol vessels, Coastal and Riverine Patrol Unit
International CollaborationsU.S. partnerships, CARICOM security platforms
Legal Firearms in Crime108 identified, including 4 murders, 3 suicides
Estimated Illegal FirearmsApproximately 12,000 in circulation
Proposed ActionsStricter regulations, dedicated firearms court, community involvement

Conclusion

The meeting highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat illegal firearms and gun violence in Trinidad and Tobago. The Minister emphasized the importance of collaboration, both locally and internationally, and the necessity for legislative support to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts. The committee's ongoing inquiry aims to develop actionable recommendations to improve national security and public safety.