From 23 to 25 September 2024, the Government of The Bahamas, in supported by the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament, and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) and the Caribbean Community’s Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS), held a three-day Inter-Institutional Roundtable Meeting in Nassau to advance on the development of their National Action Plan as part of the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap initiative.

This roundtable marks a key milestone for The Bahamas, aligning its national priorities with the overarching vision of the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap to create a  safer region. By developing a National Action Plan, The Bahamas joins twelve other Caribbean nations in identifying priority actions and tracking progress in combating illicit firearms trafficking.

The event brought together 22 representatives, including nine women, from agencies such as Law Enforcement, Prosecution, Justice, Defense, Customs, Immigration, and Foreign Affairs. Discussions focused on monitoring, evaluation, and national firearms-related challenges, with participants adopting a comprehensive approach to addressing illicit firearms trafficking, and fostering a collaborative framework for future progress.

Presentations and discussions covered the legal framework for Goal 1 and best practices for Goals 2, 3, and 4. As a result, The Bahamas outlined national priorities and concrete actions they wish to take forward in their National Action Plan and completed a significant portion of its baseline assessment.

The meeting was aligned with the UN Programme of Action on Small Arms and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particular Goal 16, and was financially supported by the United States Government.