The illicit diversion of small arms, light weapons and ammunition undermines regional stability, fuels organised crime and drives illegal migration, which threaten national security.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Weapon and Ammunition Management (WAM) Training in Dominica, Ms. J. Brett Hernandez, Political and Economic Officer, Embassy of the United States of America (US) to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, stated that by this delivering armoury and ammunition management training, the US was not just protecting the Region, but making it safer.

The WAM Training was funded by the US and conducted by the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) in collaboration with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) from 22-26 September 2025, at the request of the Government of Dominica. The aim of this initiative was to strengthen national capacity in accordance with international best practices, as outlined in the Modular Small-Arms Control Implementation Compendium (MOSAIC) and the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATGs).

“The US is committed to addressing this problem head-on. Securing vulnerable weapons stockpiles, destroying excess weapons and ammunition, and providing specialised training to those who manage these stockpiles are crucial steps in this fight”, she noted.

Ms. Hernandez added that the lessons learned from this training, will establish enduring procedures for Dominica to independently strengthen its weapons stockpile security.

Mr. Callixtus Joseph, Assistant Director - Policy, Strategy and Innovation, CARICOM IMPACS, explained that across the Caribbean Region, gaps in storage, records or perimeter controls can fuel criminal markets and in the worst cases, trigger catastrophic unplanned explosions. “Every unsecured weapon, every unaccounted round of ammunition, is a latent threat - to officers, to bystanders and to development itself”, he lamented.

He reported that in recent months the Caribbean has seen how diverted state ammunition has surfaced in criminal hands. “This programme directly addresses that risk by strengthening controls, which prevent diversion from national authorities", he reiterated.

Mr. Joseph praised the WAM Training and added that while appropriate weapons and ammunition management practices keep dangerous arms from falling into the hands of criminals and gang members, it can also reduce the risk of catastrophic unplanned explosions at munitions storage sites and assist countries in fulfilling their United Nations (UN) obligations.

Mr. Jeffrey James, Deputy Chief of Police, Dominica, in congratulating the graduates, urged them to remember their roles in maintaining public trust and ensuring the safety of communities. “Your new-found expertise will not only benefit the police force but also contribute to the safety and security of our nation. I urge you to apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired diligently and to share your expertise with your colleagues”, he advised.

A total of 24 police officers from Dominica were trained in implementing safe, effective and compliant WAM procedures in line with international standards and are now equipped with a clear understanding of the roles, responsibilities and best practices expected of personnel managing armouries and ammunition storage facilities.