The two-day event, which began on December 19, was a collaboration between the Ministry of Home Affairs, the European Union Council Working Group on Conventional Weapons, implementers of the Outreach project Expertise France, and the German Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA).

Focusing on imparting practical knowledge, tools, and methodologies, the workshop equipped participants with the necessary expertise to thwart the diversion of arms, ammunition, and explosives both within Guyana and across its borders. Integral to the training was a detailed exploration of critical provisions within the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), emphasising trade, transfer, and transshipment of conventional arms for effective implementation.

Specific objectives of the workshop included:

Enhancing technical competence to regulate the trade and transfer of conventional arms.

Providing tools and analysis methods to identify and counter diversion risks.

Deepening understanding of illicit arms trafficking dynamics in Guyana and the wider CARICOM region.

Minister Benn highlighted the pivotal role of this training, stating, “This training is expected to elevate your capabilities, enabling a more engaged and intensive performance.”

Addressing the context of evolving infrastructural developments, especially in the oil and gas sector, Minister Benn emphasised the importance of applying acquired training to effectively manage issues such as money laundering and transnational organised crime, which is a crucial aspect in light of our country’s increasing global attractiveness.

The workshop drew participants from key departments and agencies, including the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Research Department, the Tactical Service Unit, the Firearms Department of the Guyana Police Force, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Legal Affairs, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, the Guyana Defence Force, Border Security, and the Guyana Revenue Authority.

Expert insights were shared by a distinguished team comprising:

Mr. Roger Cucchietti, a military engineer and independent expert representing Expertise France and the German Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA)

Dr. Sylvain Paile-Calvo, Technical Director and Team Leader of the EU Partner-to-Partner Export Control Programme on Dual-Use Goods

Mr. Matt Schroeder, a senior researcher at the Small Arms Survey, is contributing extensive knowledge on the illicit proliferation of small arms and light weapons in various global regions.

Feature presentations were also delivered by Deputy Commissioner of Law Enforcement, Mr. Wendell Blanhum, and CARICOM IMPACS’s Mr. Callixtus Joseph, further enriching the depth of insights shared during the workshop.

The collaborative effort between Ministry of Home Affairs and international experts underscores Guyana’s commitment to strengthening its capacities in arms diversion prevention and ensuring enhanced security within its borders and the broader region.