As part of the integral technical assistance package that UNLIREC is delivering in Trinidad and Tobago for strengthening the implementation of resolution 1540 (2004), the UNLIREC team worked together with officials from Interpol and FBI to provide training for law enforcement officials for the detection and handling of sensitive dual use chemical materials and improvised explosives from 3-5 March 2015 in the country’s capital, Port of Spain.
During the three-day workshop, participants from the Police Force, Defense Force, Customs and Excise, Port Authority, Special Forces and Fire Department, among others, had the opportunity to study some of the main chemicals and potential explosive material that is readily available in the island. The theoretical sessions included a basic introduction to explosives and improvised explosives, detection of sensitive chemicals, processing of crime scenes and post blast scenarios. These sessions were further complemented by practical demonstrations at the range, where instructors conducted controlled explosions to demonstrate the potential risks of some of the elements procured.
Issues such as the importance of interagency collaboration for effective border controls, dialogue and outreach with the relevant industry, control lists for dual use chemicals and sustained training were highlighted during the course. UNLIREC will work with the government of Trinidad and Tobago and its course partners to explore avenues for conducting further training in this field at the subregional level and seek to include delegations from other countries.
The United Nations Regional Centre for Peace, Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (UNLIREC) forms part of the Regional Disarmament Branch (RDB), one of five branches of the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA). UNLIREC is the only UN regional entity specialized in disarmament and non-proliferation in the Latin American and Caribbean region. Its main function is to translate the decisions, instruments and commitments of Member States in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation into action, at national, sub-regional and regional levels. In short, UNLIREC supports Latin American and Caribbean States in achieving and maintaining peace and security through disarmament.
For more information on UNLIREC visit (www.unlirec.org.) Please direct all questions or inquiries to: Ms Amanda Cowl, Political Affairs Officer, at (cowl@unlirec.org).
Source: UNLIREC