 The World Customs Organization, WCO, has initiated Project BOLT, a training program for customs administrators to build capacity in firearms and ammunition detection capabilities. The BOLT project therefore is quite timely. The current events in the south are a testament to the need for customs as a border security or border law enforcement agency to be equipped to deal with and to combat the illicit inflows of small arms and light weapons is critical. St. Lucia is participating in the WCO sponsored Project BOLT, which is also supported by the United States State Department's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. We recognize that a great many of the illicit firearms in St. Lucia and the region originate in the United States. This is a fact. Our countries are linked by a great many things, some good, some bad, and this is one of the shared challenges. Shared challenges are best addressed together and working together, we can and we will reduce the flow of weapons into St. Lucia. We will be able to better locate and interdict weapons in the United States that are bound for St. Lucia, we'll be able to more effectively trace weapons recovered in St. Lucia, we'll be better able to support U.S. and St. Lucia criminal prosecutions of individuals who violate U.S. law by illegally trafficking here. The light weapons and arms detection component of Project BOLT seeks to enhance the capacity of local customs and excise officers stationed at luggage and cargo examination points around the island. The training will further improve local efforts to stem the flow of illegal guns and ammunition into and out of St. Lucia. This program has been working in partnership with Salusha Customs and the program of training has come from direct input from Salusha Customs and their management. So this is a really important point as the WCO looks to help Salusha Customs move forward in developing its capacity in protecting the borders because I think we all know in the Caribbean most customs areas are very good at collecting revenue in the border security area is probably where that strengthening and enhancement of skills is required. Project BOLT is financed by the World Customs Organization from the office of the Prime Minister, Rihania Ziddu.