WASHINGTON, May 3 (Xinhua) -- High rates of crime and violence are undermining the growth and prosperity in the Caribbean countries, according to a report released by the World Bank on Thursday.

    The report, which was named "Crime, Violence, and Development: Trends, Costs, and Policy Options in the Caribbean," said the murder rates in the Caribbean are higher than in any other region of the world, and assault rates are significantly above the world average.

    Narcotics trafficking is at the core of these high rates. Narcotics trafficking diverts criminal justice resources from other important activities, increases and embeds violence, undermines social cohesion and contributes to the widespread availability of firearms in the region, according to the report.

    "The report clearly shows that crime and violence are development issues. Donors and OECD countries need to work together with Caribbean countries to reduce the current levels in the region," said Caroline Anstey, World Bank Director for the Caribbean.

    "Some of the factors that make the Caribbean most vulnerable to crime and violence, mainly the drug trade and trafficking of weapons, require a response that transcends national and even regional boundaries," he added. ¡¡