T&T Ratifies Arms Trade Treaty

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, third from left. Others from left, include: Ambassador Rodney Charles, Permanent Representative to the United Nations; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Dookeran, and President of Costa Rica, Laura Chinchilla. In Photo below, PM Persad-Bissessar with President of Costa Rica, Laura Chinchilla.
Photos supplied by Office of the Prime Minister, Port of Spain, TRINIDAD

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar on Wednesday deposited at the United Nations in New York the instrument of Ratification of Trinidad and Tobago to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT).

In brief remarks at the event, the PM said:

"By this action, Trinidad and Tobago has formally expressed its consent to be bound by the provisions of the instrument.

"In this regard, we have made our contribution towards the 50 ratifications that are required for the entry into force of the ATT.

"In addition, we are currently examining our laws to ensure that they are compatible with our obligations which flow from the instrument.

"We are reasonably convinced that the ATT, once operationalized, will assist the global community in eradicating the scourge of the illegal arms trade that is largely also responsible for so much violence and loss of lives in many regions.

"The international community can be assured of the support of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago for the early entry into force and the universalization of the ATT."