Trinidad and Tobago is calling for stronger international cooperation to combat transnational crime.
The appeal came from Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Nicholas Morris, as he addressed the Fourth CELAC–EU Summit in Colombia.
Mr. Morris told representatives from the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean that Trinidad and Tobago does not exist in a zone of peace, due to the major effects of narco-trafficking and transnational crime. He urged leaders to collaborate in pursuing more effective measures in the shared fight against these activities.
The Parliamentary Secretary also called for the reform of the global financial system. He reiterated that Small Island Developing States have particular vulnerabilities due to the vagaries of climate change, economic shocks, and their small size.
Mr. Morris also expressed solidarity with Caribbean islands devastated by Hurricane Melissa, particularly Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba.
The summit, being hosted by the President of Colombia, includes leaders from Brazil, Belgium, The Netherlands, St. Kitts and Nevis, and other CELAC and EU Member States.