Most experts are of the view that the guns and ammunition being used in the country are being sourced from the United States, thus National Security officials in Basseterre have again called on the US Government to do much more to stop this illegal trade into Caribbean states like St. Kitts & Nevis.

The Prime Minister of St. Kitts & Nevis, Dr. Denzil Douglas has indicated that though the US has provided some assistance in the area of National Security, the “continuing flow of foreign-made small arms into the Caribbean region is of great concern.” The US has been reminded that more needs to be done to stamp out the illegal small arms trade in the Caribbean.

“Again, originating beyond our shores, these weapons have dire consequences both in terms of human life as well as the economic stability of our nations. We are aware that changing cultural values are influencing the use of weapons by some in our nations. And we understand the importance of focused and effective policing andpartnership on matters of security,” said Prime Minister Douglas.

Dr. Douglas urged the international community and those members of the United Nations specifically, to see as an absolute priority, the production of a much-needed and long-overdue Arms Trade Treaty.

“The interests of democratic nations everywhere cry out for the establishment of international standards and controls governing the illicit flow of conventional weapons, and I urge the establishment of a dedicated secretariat to assist State Parties in this regard,” said Dr. Douglas.

Pointing to what he termed the misfortune of Caribbean nations located between regions of massive drug production and regions of massive drug consumption, the St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister said small arms and light weapons always follow illegal drugs and “we in the Caribbean are simply not equipped to deal with the externally created crime fallout.”

“And on that point, I wish to stress that before its closure, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime provided critical hands-on collaboration in this high-priority area of crime fighting. With its presence now having been withdrawn, the vital support that we need simply is not there, leaving us to adjust as best we can – at precisely the time when drug and deportee-related crimes, continue to be a major hemispheric challenge,” said Prime Minister Douglas to World Leaders.

This is why organizers have adopted the theme for this year as, “Developing a Winning Strategy”. A leading official from the Caribbean Tourism Organization, CTO, has indicated that the theme reflects the urgency of for all stakeholders to get involved in Caribbean tourism.

Therefore hundreds of delegates from 32 countries, drawn from both the public and private sectors and the media are expected to attend the conference, scheduled for the St. Kitts Marriott Hotel in Frigate Bay.

Local tourism players in St. Kitts & Nevis have been encouraged to provide their support for the conference and to make good use of the opportunity to network with their regional tourism counterparts.

Outgoing Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, (CTO), Mr. Richards Skerritt, who is also the Minister of Tourism & International Transportation in St. Kitts & Nevis,  says he has no doubt that local participants will have an excellent opportunity to interact with, and challenge some impressive presenters here next week. “I implore all who benefit from tourism to take full advantage of the new information that this conference will present,” said Skerritt.

Delegates will join in discussions on matters related to consumer requirements amidst the changing face of global tourism, and will have a number of opportunities to network with Ministers, Commissioners, Directors of Tourism, hoteliers, business leaders, air transportation representatives, and future leaders.

Local delegates will be required to complete a registration form and to submit it with the applicable local registration fees for processing at the St. Kitts Tourism Authority. The full registration fee is US$275 and covers all business sessions, meals and social events and a Conference kit. The daily registration fee of US$150 includes all activities on the program for one day only. CTO members will get a deduction of US$50 for the full registration.

Interested persons can contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority for more information by calling 465-4040 or emailing info@stkittstourism.kn“>info@stkittstourism.kn” data-mce-href=”mailto:info@stkittstourism.kn“>info@stkittstourism.kn.

The main conference will be preceded on Wednesday afternoon, at the auditorium of the East Caribbean Central Bank, by a Tourism Youth Congress which is also open to the general public.

This year’s CTO State of the Industry Conference to be held on 10^th -12^th October 2012. 

One of the highlights of the conference will be the election of a new CTO Chairman of the Council of Ministers, to replace Skerritt, whose 2 year term will be expiring next week Wednesday, 10^th October.