Fight against organised crime and boost to UK trade top of the agenda on Foreign Secretary’s visit to the Caribbean

David Lammy begins his first visit to the Caribbean as Foreign Secretary, where (on Thursday 12th) he will launch a new partnership to help tackle organised crime, boost economic growth and adapt to the climate crisis, all key to strengthening national security.

While in Barbados, the UK will finalise agreements aimed at preventing organised crime and reducing violence, making people in the Caribbean and the UK safer. The government will offer British expertise - to help regional authorities investigate and disrupt criminal networks to strengthen law enforcement, tackle gangs and keep drugs out of the Caribbean Sea and off UK streets - a part of this Government's mission for making safer streets and so British people can live their lives without fear of crime. He will make the announcement at the IDB Latin America & Caribbean Security Ministers Conference.

The Foreign Secretary will then travel to Guyana, the world's fastest growing economy, to strengthen ties between both countries. On Friday 13th, he will visit a maternity hospital in Guyana's capital Georgetown, which is being constructed using steel manufactured in Yorkshire. This underscores how UK exports are improving Guyana's healthcare provision, while creating jobs back in in Britain to help build the foundations of a stronger economy and deliver on this Government's Plan for Change.

He will also seek to push forward a major infrastructure deal for British construction businesses to help in the expansion of Guyana's main international airport. This highlights the Government's commitment to opening new overseas markets for UK firms, driving up prosperity and deliver national renewal.  

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

“As the son of Guyanese parents, I am living proof of the ties the UK shares with the Caribbean. Building our ties with these fast-growing economies in the region will make the UK and the Caribbean safer, stronger, more prosperous and more resilient against the climate crisis. 

“Growth and prosperity in the UK rely on security and stability around the world – which is why we are helping to tackle organised crime and corruption, keeping drugs off UK streets and hitting the criminal networks involved in the narcotics trade in the Caribbean. The government's plan to smash the gangs means working with our partners to bolster our national security."

Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl, the Foreign Secretary will travel with Barbados' Prime Minister Mia Mottley to areas damaged by the storm and see firsthand how climate change is having a real impact on the Caribbean and island states. David Lammy will announce new UK funding to help countries in the region harness green energy resources and move away from fossil fuel use. He will set out a new programme to help protect forests and tackle illegal logging, helping protect vital natural habitats.

UK minister for the Caribbean, Baroness Chapman will also be part of the UK delegation meeting Prime Minister Mia Mottley in Barbados. She will accompany the Foreign Secretary around the island alongside the Prime Minister.

The minister will then join the Foreign Secretary at the Regional Security System (RSS) headquarters in Barbados, where they will be shown how the UK is supporting the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime across the region.

In Guyana, the fastest growing economy in the world and the UK's biggest trading partner in the region, the Foreign Secretary will hold talks with President Ali to discuss how to boost commercial ties between both countries, alongside tackling issues of common concern, including the climate crisis. He will also show the UK's steadfast support for Guyanese territorial integrity, in the face of illegitimate Venezuelan claims to Essequibo.