Browne Urges U.S. Action on Gun Trafficking into Caribbean

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has called on Washington to help curb the flow of guns and ammunition into the Caribbean, warning that escalating gun violence has become a public health crisis in the region.

Speaking after his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Prime Minister Browne described gun trafficking as one of the region’s most urgent security challenges, with most illegal firearms traced back to the United States.

“We asked the Secretary to use his influence to help us establish a system that can stem the exportation of guns and ammunition from the United States into the Caribbean,” Browne said. “These weapons are not produced in our region. The problem emanates from the U.S.”

The Prime Minister noted that gun-related crime and violence have surged to the point of being classified as a public health issue across several Caribbean countries. While he acknowledged the constitutional right of Americans to bear arms, he urged U.S. policymakers to also consider the consequences for their “third border.”

Browne stressed the need for improved tracing mechanisms to track the origins of weapons used in Caribbean crimes, and welcomed Rubio’s openness to cooperation on the matter.

“Mutual security interests must remain a cornerstone of our relationship,” he said, describing the discussions as respectful and constructive.

The appeal comes amid growing concern among Eastern Caribbean leaders about transnational crime and its link to gun smuggling. The issue is expected to remain a key item on the agenda in future U.S.–Caribbean engagements.

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