The impact of the COVID19 Pandemic on the

“The impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the persistent multidimensional security vulnerabilities of the small island lowlying coastal developing states of the Caribbean" June 24, 2020

Overall impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the region: Economic and social effects and their link to security The impact of COVID-19 has been dramatic. In addition to the immediate impact, there are medium and longterm social consequences, including a growth in unemployment and poverty. The economic and social crisis that COVID-19 has generated affects security management in its various forms. The measures taken during the pandemic have had an impact on the criminal dynamics, thus raising new security risks or highlighting the importance of strengthening existing mechanisms and tools.

Money laundering and financing of terrorism General context: Ø CARICOM countries have open economies fully integrated into the globalized trading system. Some financial systems may be compromised depending on the profile and preparedness in relation to the rapid changes generated by the pandemic. Ø The situation generated by the pandemic highlights the importance of maintaining robust anti-money laundering and combating terrorist financing systems. Risk: Ø The increase of crime rates related to the context of the pandemic (electronic frauds and corruption). Ø The negative impact that the pandemic has had on the ability of Governments and the private sector to meet obligations to combat money-laundering and the financing of terrorism.

Illicit trafficking of firearms and its relation to homicide rates and drug trafficking The Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM -IMPACS) estimates that over 70% of the people who die violently in the Region are victims of firearms violence. The international flow of illicit arms to the Caribbean is directly related to the activities of criminal gangs that receive firearms as payment for their participation in international trafficking of illicit drugs.

Smuggling of • The Caribbean is a region of origin, transit and destination in human trafficking, migrants, smuggling and irregular migration. trafficking in persons and • The multiple challenges faced by Governments in related crimes maintaining adequate border controls, as well as the difficult economic situation due to the pandemic, are some of the factors that increase the risk and prevalence of human trafficking/migrant smuggling in the Caribbean.

Prison systems: challenges to reintegration, overcrowding and drug treatment The Caribbean faces serious challenges to the successful reintegration of people in conflict with the law. A New Path: Promoting Productive Alternatives for Children in Conflict with the Law" (Jamaica) Overcrowding in times of pandemic: Risks of infections and impact on drug treatment programs, monitoring of drug strategies and action plans A New Path: Promoting Productive Alternatives for Children in Conflict with the Law" (Jamaica)

Main threats: • Main threats faced by Caribbean Member States in relation to drug trafficking • • The increase in illicit drug trafficking by sea, mainly cocaine. Difficulties in the operations of anti-narcotics agencies: short number of agents Exposure of agents to COVID-19 during the development of drug interdiction operations. Activities: • • • Training and technical assistance activities: CICAD's Supply Reduction Unit National seminars on synthetic drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS). Research initiatives (Pandemic): Questionnaires on chemical precursors control and maritime drug trafficking.

Use of illicit substances - Demand reduction Risks: Ø Several Caribbean countries have implemented actions including confinement of the population for long and indefinite periods. Ø The exacerbation of pre-existing mental health problems, such as substance use disorders, is foreseeable. Activities: Ø The Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) has developed initiatives to disseminate information and Exchange experiences in the context of the pandemic, via webinars and virtual roundtables.

How has the pandemic influenced the issues under CICTE's mandate? Urgent need to improve Internet connectivity and cyber security protections. To rebuild economies, there will be an increased need on cargo and secure strategic trade; and, development of national strategies for seaport facilities. Urgent need to develop security protocols to facilitate the reopening of tourism, including appropriate security protocols for airports, hotels and other tourist sites.

Farah Diva Urrutia • Secretariat Multidimensional Security • 1889 F Street NW, Washington, DC • Furrutia@oas. org 17/09/2021