1.11. Tier 1 Threats are primarily responsible for the Region’s high murder rates and violence that burdens socio-economic development. These threats have a particular impact on the most vulnerable members of the population, especially women and children in poor areas. Figure 1.1: Murder Rates For Selected Regions and States (2011) CARICOM 29.86 Mexico 18 Global 6.9 America 4.6 Europe 3.5 Oceana 3.5 Asia 3.1 0 Source: IMPACS 2012 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Murder Per 100,000 Population 1.12. The average homicide rate for the Community is 30 people killed for every 100,000 inhabitants annually. In Mexico, a country suffering appalling widespread drug-related violence, the rate is just 18 while the global rate is approximately 5 (see figure 1.1). All CARICOM Member States have significantly higher murder rates per capita than the United States, which has a murder rate of 4.6 per 100,000. More than 70% of the people who die a violent death in the Region are killed with a gun (IMPACS, 2012). 1.13. Young people under the age of 30 comprise 60 per cent of the Region’s citizenry, and are both the main perpetrators and victims of crime. This very high level of violent criminality has reduced the citizens’ quality of life, placed the limited resources of Member States under extreme pressure, reduced local and foreign direct investment and threatens the ability of States to achieve their developmental goals. Facilitators of Crime 1.14. Criminals are increasingly using professionals and service providers to facilitate their criminal activities. There is an increasing convergence between criminals and professionals involved in a blend of legitimate and illegitimate businesses. It is clear that organised criminals cannot operate without the professional advice and assistance of facilitators. 1.15. These facilitators of criminality include unscrupulous, corrupt and complicit professionals within key sectors of the economy such as the financial, legal, justice, law enforcement and security, public officials and even government officials. The methods these facilitators use vary, but in general they use their specialist knowledge and expertise to exploit legal loopholes, find opportunities for criminals, or help criminals retain and launder the proceeds of crime. 15