RSS, US join forces to tackle crime

Barbados has joined the seven other member states of the Regional Security System (RSS), along with the United States, in Saint Lucia to discuss common security concerns in the region.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Sonia Boyce is representing Barbados at the bi-annual US-backed Caribbean Security Chiefs Conference, which officially opened on Wednesday with a packed agenda that highlights crime, the drug trade, maritime safety and the proliferation of guns coming into the region.

At the opening of the Castries meeting, Chairman of the RSS Security Chiefs and Acting Commissioner of Police in Saint Lucia, Ronald Phillips expressed concern about the impact on regional security by events such as climate change, the persistent and adaptive nature of transnational organised crime, and issues associated with global insecurity and uncertainty.

“These forces continue to test the resilience of our institutions and pose significant challenges to the rule of law across our jurisdictions. As small island states, we share unique vulnerabilities, yet we also share a collective strength.

“Forums such as this provide us with a vital platform to openly discuss the challenges we face and, more importantly, to develop practical, coordinated solutions. Whether addressing traditional threats or emerging risks, our ability to collaborate effectively will determine how well we safeguard our people and our borders,” Phillips said.

The conference comes at a time when vessels sailing the Caribbean waters are being attacked and destroyed by United States forces, who maintain they are involved in drug trafficking.

The top security officials will have a full day of deliberation on Thursday, followed on Friday by a CARICOM Heads of Government meeting where leaders will seek to tackle common security challenges and formulate practical solutions.

The Barbados Police Service is currently dealing with a disturbing level of gun violence and murders, with Commissioner Richard Boyce continuing to express concern about the presence of high-powered weapons in the hands of criminals.

The security chiefs’ meeting is also being attended by Executive Director of the RSS, Rear Admiral Errington Shurland; Assistant Director for Corporate Services with the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACTS) Earl Harris; Commander Steve Hulse of the US Coast Guard and Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Elizabeth Riley.