Untitled Document As we've reported, Belize had no official state representations at the recent CARICOM Heads of Government meeting, but one Belizean Senior Counsel and former politician was there as a special guest.
Godfrey Smith was invited by the CARICOM Heads to come up with a strategy to address crime in the region. A release says "CARICOM heads tasked the former Belize AG with reviewing existing laws and proposing new crime-fighting legislation.
Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Keith Rowley says CARICOM Heads have agreed to elements of a holistic and region-wide approach to violence and crime as a public health issue.
He emphasised that legislation must be able to address the present crime wave affecting Member States.
The release adds that Smith will be supported by a "multidisciplinary team of technical experts seconded by member states". The terms of reference instruct him to "design and lead the implementation of a strategic plan to improve and modernise criminal justice…across the Community."
The plan is to come up with a region wide template, quote, "using the best technical skills in law and…social services to craft legislative offerings" that can be adopted very quickly across the region.
