The Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at its Nineteenth Special Meeting, which opened on May 3 in Trinidad and Tobago, focused on Security, specifically the management of the Regional Security Framework.
Delivering remarks to the meeting, Dr. Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and Lead Head with responsibility for Crime and Security, reiterated that Heads were aware that the sustainable development of the Community depended on the safety and security of the citizens.
Prime Minister Rowley alluded to the evolving nature of security threats to the Region which included those resulting from globalization such as human and narco-trafficking, money laundering, illegal migration and deportation, growing radicalism and terrorism, as well as those related to the application of technology, the emergence of privatization of security, economic issues, environmental and health issues.
To this end, he reiterated the importance of CARICOM’s Regional Security Framework, “to combat transnational crime and security threats”.
“I maintain that a robust regional security architecture is essential to the security of Member States,” he said.
“Our Regional Security Framework is the mechanism through which greater collaboration among the Regional Security Forces and Regional Institutions and other entities will operate….” he continued.
Dr. Rowley flagged the need for “a robust legal framework to be developed, highlighting the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) and the Advance Cargo Information System(ACIS) and mechanisms for the collection and sharing of information, in this regard. He called as well for outstanding Legal Security Instruments to be signed and ratified by Member States.
With respect to the continuing situation in Venezuela, the Lead Head signaled the Conference’s endorsement of the view of the current Chair of the Community, Dr. Timothy Harris, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, which he said noted “that all of us Heads of Government are collectively charged with ensuring the continued security and stability of our beloved Caribbean Region…. and ensuring a peaceful solution to the issue is our first and foremost priority as we work in unison to safeguard our people’s future.”
