The following is a statement by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Dr Ken Baugh in recognition of today's celebration of International Peace Day

Jamaica joins the international community in the observance and celebration of 'International Day of Peace'. This event entreats us as a nation and a member of the international community to a process of reflection on how we can each play a part in promoting international peace and security.

Such a process is both timely and relevant given the myriad challenges that face the global community. There is a climate of insecurity. Political instability in many parts of the world has not abated. International peace and security is at risk with the growing threat of terrorism, transnational organised crime, as well as the proliferation of small arms and weapons of mass destruction.

In such an environment, where the realisation of global peace and security is intimately linked to social and economic progress, it behoves us to take a firm stance against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. It is, therefore, opportune for us to commemorate Peace Day 2009 under the theme 'We Must Disarm! Take Action for a World Free of Nuclear Weapons'. This year's commemoration is of particular significance given tensions surrounding nuclear disarmament and proliferation in the international arena.

The United Nations (UN) Charter establishes the framework for a system of collective security. Jamaica lauds the continuous efforts of the United Nations in promoting a culture of peace and non-violence. Through its efforts, the UN has consistently demonstrated its central role in the maintenance of international peace and security. It is, therefore, timely that the United Nations seeks the renewal of commitment for nuclear non-proliferation. We are convinced that the prospects for international peace and security will be significantly enhanced through the total elimination of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.

Small arms and weapons

For this reason, Jamaica remains committed to the cause of general and complete disarmament. This commitment is evidenced by our ratification of a number of disarmament conventions, our compliance with its obligations under these conventions and the active pursuit of appropriate measures to ensure compliance.

Even as the international community is rightly focusing attention on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, this should not divert attention from the issue of small arms and light weapons. We must continually reinforce the importance of multilateralism and multilaterally agreed solutions to address general disarmament and non-proliferation issues, including small arms. We know all too well the dangers posed to the social security, stability and economic development of the country because of the inter-linkage between the traffic in illicit arms and light weapons, and the drug trade and organised crime.

Just as the progress of the international community depends on the commitment of member states to peace and security, so must each citizen partner with the Govern-ment of Jamaica for the realisation of a nation free of violence and hostility. This is our opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to nation building and to promoting national peace and security.

Jamaica's commitment is evidenced by our ratification of a number of disarmament conventions, our compliance with its obligations under these conventions and the active pursuit of appropriate measures to ensure compliance.