On Wednesday, June 21, 2017, The University of the West Indies (The UWI) hosted a forum aimed at tackling solutions to crime in the Caribbean Region. The forum themed “Taming the Caribbean Crime Monster: A Solutions Agenda” was held at The UWI Regional Headquarters in Jamaica and streamed live via the University’s multimedia, public information and education service, UWItv.

The Vice-Chancellor's Forum is an ongoing series which seeks to offer informed analysis, perspective and context to important political, social and economic developments in our region and our world. Panelists are drawn from the worlds of academia, public policy, diplomacy, civil society, arts, culture and sports, as necessary. At Wednesday’s forum, law and order, political and criminology experts in Jamaica presented the challenges and solutions associated with crime and national security in the context of the local environment which extend to neighboring islands in the region.

The UWI’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Affairs, Ambassador Richard Bernal, delivered opening and closing remarks at the forum on behalf of Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles. Commenting on the objective of the discussions, Ambassador Bernal stated, “Crime is now affecting all aspects of life in the Caribbean region and the violence associated with crime continues to escalate. Every problem has a solution and crime is no exception. This forum is a continuation of The UWI’s proven capacity and commitment to making available to the region its collective multidisciplinary experience and expertise spanning all aspects of the crime problem.”

The recorded video webcast of Taming the Caribbean Crime Monster: A Solutions Agenda is available for viewing on UWItv at:  www.uwitv.org/pfrm/uwi-vice-chancellors-forum-taming-caribbean-crime-monster-solutions-agenda