CARICOM reaffirms anti-nuclear stance under Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treat

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has reiterated the critical need to ban the testing, use, and proliferation of nuclear weapons, stressing that this urgency is more pronounced than ever in the current century.

This information was shared in a press release from CARICOM.

During a regional workshop for signatory states from Latin America and the Caribbean under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) framework on April 3 in Jamaica, CARICOM’s Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for Foreign and Community Relations, Ms. Elizabeth Solomon, underlined the increased nuclear threat present in today’s world, particularly in light of accelerated climate change and the existence of nuclear arsenals in certain countries.

Referring to the potential deployment of nuclear weapons as “anathema” to CARICOM, she affirmed the Region’s dedication to maintaining its designation as a Zone of Peace.

“We have retained and continue to do everything in our individual and collective power to maintain this Region as a Zone of Peace,” she stated, noting the critical role of the Treaty in reinforcing global norms against nuclear testing.

Additionally, Ms. Solomon expressed CARICOM’s firm opposition to the transshipment of nuclear waste through the Caribbean Sea, pointing to significant environmental and economic concerns.

“We take a strong stance against the transshipment of nuclear waste because of the possible negative effects of a nuclear accident on the delicate land and sea ecosystems of the Caribbean,” she remarked.

In addition to nuclear disarmament, ASG Solomon emphasized the beneficial scientific and civil uses of data managed by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). Considering the Caribbean’s susceptibility to natural disasters, she highlighted the importance of accessing seismic data and collaborating on tsunami alerts and volcanic activity monitoring, as these could be pivotal for coastal and other at-risk communities.

She noted that successful tsunami warning initiatives developed in partnership with Chile, Honduras, and Venezuela provide models worthy of replication throughout the Caribbean.

Acknowledging the CTBTO’s renewed engagement in the Region, she referenced past workshops in Antigua and Barbuda, and Jamaica, which played a significant role in encouraging several CARICOM nations to ratify the Treaty.

Ms. Solomon praised the fact that all nations within CARICOM, Latin America, and the Caribbean have ratified the CTBT, demonstrating the Region’s unified dedication to nuclear disarmament.

Recognizing the capacity limitations faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in fulfilling international responsibilities, the ASG welcomed the National Data Centres for All (NDCs4All) initiative, aimed at bridging capacity and knowledge gaps concerning the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.