Commissioner Wescot-Williams welcomes commitment by the U.S. to help region fight piracy, gun running and drug trafficking
Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams, says she welcomes the commitment of the President of the United States of America Barack Obama to give more assistance to the Caribbean and Latin America to fight piracy, gun running and drug trafficking.
At the recently concluded 5th Summit of the Americas in Trinidad, security issues that affect the region were discussed and it was reported that the U.S. has given a commitment of US$30 million in strengthening security surveillance in the region.
The Caribbean is mid-way between illicit drug producers in the South and consumers in the North (United States, Canada and Europe).
"This form of assistance for the region will also have a positive impact on St. Maarten indirectly. Any additional resources provided to fight drug trafficking, gun running and piracy will benefit all islands.
"A review may be necessary of the Kingdom efforts to fight to see how we measure up to other efforts within the region in fighting these destructive forces. The Dutch Government plays a role in the Netherlands Antilles/Aruba Coast Guard.
"As country St. Maarten we would seek to collaborate with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in the fight against the aforementioned.
"We need to look at other avenues of assistance and expand our horizons to the benefit and welfare of the St. Maarten people," Leader of Government Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams told the Government Information Service (GIS).
The Caribbean region is aid to have the highest per capita murder rates in the world and drug trafficking also undermines the rule of law and democratic governance.