Trudeau pledges $1.8M to target drug and human trafficking in the Caribbean

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has pledged $1.8M towards tackling illicit human trafficking in the Caribbean.

Trudeau told CARICOM leaders in Nassau, that criminal elements are becoming more sophisticated across the region and greater support is needed to stop the flow of illicit drugs, arms, and human trafficking

“So, Canada will provide 1.8 million dollars to target illicit drug trafficking and strengthen border and maritime security in the Caribbean. Together we can build a safer and better future for people in our countries and the world”, he said.

He said there is a long list of things that CARICOM and Canada must continue to work on together, many of them are urgent

“We must deliver on climate action, we must find new opportunities for businesses and workers and grow our economies and above all, we must put people at the center of everything we do and build a future where everyone sees opportunities for themselves, their kids and their grandkids”, he said.

Meanwhile, Trudeau told CARICOM leaders that they need to be integral leaders in the Haitian crisis, including through convening political dialogues and rallying partners around the globe to provide much-needed assistance for Haiti

Trudeau also pledged $10M to support International Office on Migration, to strengthen the protection and resilience of Haitian women and children along the Haiti/Dominican border

He said his government will also pledge another $12.3M in humanitarian assistance

“Together with CARICOM, Canada and international partners can help Haitians bring an end to the crisis and build a better and more hopeful future for their country,”

Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Foreign Affairs Minister E.P Chet Green are attending the meeting.