Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar used her speech before the UN General Assembly to underscore the threat posed by transnational crime to T&T.
She told the gathering of world leaders that small states face an asymmetric challenge from sophisticated criminal networks that move people, weapons, narcotics and illicit finance across national borders.
She added that this was not an abstract threat for T&T, as the networks directly endanger citizens, institutions and local development.
In this regard, the Prime Minister thanked US President Donald Trump for including T&T in the Shield of the Americas and the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition.
“We remain confident that this partnership will continue to promote freedom, security, and prosperity in our region,” said Mrs Persad-Bissessar.
She also acknowledged T&T’s upcoming inclusion in the UN Security Council for the 2027 – 2028 term, and vowed to bring the perspective and experience of a Small Island Developing State, while remaining guided by the UN Charter, international law and the principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes.
The PM said, “We will approach our tenure with an independent and practical outlook, working constructively with all members of the Council and seeking common ground wherever possible. 25. We will place particular emphasis on curbing the illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons, Women and Children, Peace and Security, and Artificial Intelligence and Global Security.”
She went on to add, “While serving on the Council, Trinidad and Tobago will advocate for greater international cooperation to address the sources, movement and diversion of illicit weapons including stronger tracing mechanisms, information sharing, border and maritime cooperation, and deeper cooperation among source, transit and destination countries to disruptweapons, narcotics and illicit financial flows.”
