Paramaribo, 13 June 2024 - The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Implementing Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), and the German cooperation organization (Deutsche Zussamenarbeit) under the Global Firearms Program, in collaboration with the Directorate of National Security, successfully delivered a firearms training course. The training, held from June 11-13, 2024, targeted the Public Prosecution Service (OM), the Directorate of National Security, the Suriname Police Force (KPS), the National Army, Customs, and the Coast Guard.
The course provided participants with essential tools to combat the illegal arms and ammunition trade more effectively, drawing on both international and national expertise.
Opening Remarks
The training was inaugurated by Attorney General Garcia Paragsingh, who emphasized:

• The importance of national and international cooperation.
• Actions already taken, such as the amendment of the Firearms Act focusing on firearm registration and the digitization of the firearm authorization process.
• The role of KPS roadblocks in detecting illegal firearms.

Key Speeches
Callixtus Joseph, Deputy Director of Policy, Strategy and Innovation of CARICOM IMPACS, highlighted the severe impact of gun violence in CARICOM, which claims over 13 lives daily. He stressed the necessity of regional cooperation to prevent the trafficking of illegal firearms and announced that IMPACS would provide advanced forensic ballistic instruments to enhance Suriname's capabilities in combating firearms-related crimes.
Director of National Security, Shivanand Ramlall, underscored the training's contribution to combating organized crime and aligning with the National Strategic Security Plan. He called for an integrated "whole of government" approach, supplemented by key international partners, to tackle the illegal arms trade comprehensively. Ramlall urged citizens to adopt the "see, say, and do something" principle for a collective approach to security.
Brian Isaacs, Chief of the Suriname Police Corps, addressed the threat posed by illegal firearms to communities, democracy, and safety. He stressed the need for cooperation to counter this threat effectively.
Training Content
The training covered practical firearms issues, best practices, forensic research, risk analyses, and interception techniques at border posts. The National Army provided practical training, and the Public Prosecutor's Office focused on applying relevant laws and treaties. Presentations were conducted by representatives from UNODC, CARICOM IMPACS, Dutch Police, EMPACT Firearms, INTERPOL, SEESAC, World Customs Organization (WCO), UNODC CCP, SEACOP, Small Arms Survey, and US ATF.
The training emphasized the importance of national and international collaboration in tackling illegal firearms and ammunition trade. It aimed to provide participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to combat this threat effectively, contributing to the overall safety and security of Suriname and the region.