In recent weeks, CARICOM (Caribbean Community) hosted a groundbreaking fellowship on small arms and light weapons in Trinidad and Tobago, attended by 15 security experts from across the Caribbean region. The fellowship, organized by the United Nations, allowed participants to explore state-of-the-art tools and methods used in firearm crime prevention. This hands-on experience focused on training that would enhance the capacity of regional security agencies to tackle armed violence effectively. Among the highlights of the fellowship was a deep dive into the Trinidad and Tobago Forensic Science Center. Here, experts demonstrated the critical role that comparison microscopes play in solving gun-related crimes. These microscopes are integral in the forensic examination of firearms, enabling investigators to match spent cartridge casings to specific firearms, thus linking crimes to suspects. This technology has revolutionized gun crime investigations, making it easier for law enforcement to track firearms used in multiple offenses and identify repeat offenders. Participants also had the opportunity to visit a police armory where they observed the use of laser engravers to mark firearms. These engravings make firearms easier to trace, particularly in instances where they are lost, stolen, or transferred illegally. With the rise of illicit firearms in the Caribbean, such technologies are seen as crucial tools for combating illegal firearms trafficking. The session highlighted the importance of marking firearms and registering them to ensure that they remain traceable throughout their lifespan. Laser engraving is a significant step toward improving firearm traceability, which can directly reduce illegal gun ownership and gun violence. One of the most innovative ideas discussed during the fellowship was Belizes proposal for a digital firearm registration system. The digital system would allow for a more centralized, efficient, and transparent way to track firearms from their point of purchase to their final use. This idea was pitched by Belizes Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bart Jones, who believes that digital registration could play a pivotal role in gun control and crime prevention in the country. The system would not only improve law enforcements ability to trace firearms used in crimes, but also provide better oversight of civilian gun ownership. By digitizing firearm records, authorities would have real-time access to critical data, making it easier to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands. As the region grapples with rising gun violence, particularly in countries like Belize, where up to 80% of murders are linked to firearms, this fellowship provided valuable insights into how technology can be harnessed to combat such violence. The program also included a look at how stockpiles of firearms are destroyed to ensure that legal weapons do not end up in the hands of criminals. In the Caribbean, there is a growing recognition of the need to control stockpiles not just in civilian hands, but also within the military and law enforcement agencies. The goal is to prevent weapons from being diverted into illegal markets, which has been a persistent issue in the region. The fellowship also emphasized the gendered and youth-related aspects of armed violence. Discussions touched on how women and young people are disproportionately affected by gun violence, both as victims and as actors in armed conflicts. Including these groups in the dialogue surrounding gun control is vital, as they bring unique perspectives that can help shape policies and practices that address all dimensions of firearm violence. Gender-sensitive approaches to gun violence prevention are increasingly seen as essential to creating sustainable, community-focused solutions. Importantly, the fellowship highlighted that armed violence is not merely a law enforcement issue; it is a problem that touches all sectors of society. Gun violence affects public health, education, and governance, and tackling it requires a holistic approach that involves multiple sectors working together. The fellowship emphasized the need for cooperation among government, law enforcement, and public health experts, as well as community organizations, to create an integrated strategy to reduce gun violence.