The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) and the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) are advancing a coordinated effort to strengthen weapons and ammunition management across the Caribbean through a regional capacity building initiative aimed at establishing, for the first time, a CARICOM Regional Roster of Experts in the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATGs).

Over the past year, five personnel representing: Barbados (1); Suriname (2); and Trinidad and Tobago (2) have been completing the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) IATG Comprehensive Training Package through online modules, supported by structured mentorship provided by MAG’s technical specialists.

To complete their certification pathway, the trainees guided by the technical custodian of the IATGs, applied the knowledge and skills gained through the GICHD IATG Comprehensive Training Package at a series of assessment and validation exercises conducted from 25-27 November 2025, in Trinidad and Tobago,

Upon successful completion, the assessed personnel will form part of a Regional Roster of Experts in the IATGs, an initiative to be led by CARICOM IMPACS that is expected to enhance regional technical capacity in ammunition management. This roster will serve as a sustainable resource for CARICOM Member States, supporting implementation of the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap and strengthening long-term physical security and stockpile management across the region.

Corporal Ricque Lewis, Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF), who participated in the training noted: “This training has transformed the way we understand and approach arms and ammunition management. The IATG–GICHD framework gave us the practical tools and confidence to strengthen safety, accountability and compliance in our daily operations. We are leaving more empowered, and more committed, to applying these international standards to protect our regional and national institutions”.

Mr. Andrew Grantham, Validator, Ammunition Management Advisory Team (AMAT) from the GICHD explained: “The goal was not only to transfer knowledge, but to strengthen CARICOM’s regional capacity and inspire long-term excellence in arms and ammunition governance. The commitment shown by the participants demonstrates that CARICOM IMPACS is ready to elevate its security architecture in line with global best practices. This training marks a significant step toward safe, secure and sustainable systems for all”.

As the first initiative of its kind, this collaborative effort among CARICOM IMPACS, MAG and GICHD represents a pioneering model of regional ownership, operational cooperation and strategic investment in technical expertise. The initiative is being supported through the financial contribution of the United States (US) Department of State, enabling safe and secure weapons and ammunition management across the Caribbean Region.