Robust security architecture essential to security of CARICOM Member States – PM Rowley
Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. the Hon. Keith Rowley, on Friday underscored that a robust security architecture was essential to the security of Member States of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Prime Minster Rowley, lead Head of Government with responsibility for Security in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet made remarks at the opening of a one-day Special Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM on Security in Port-of-Spain.
There was a need, he said, for the Region to “develop a robust legal framework, as it relates to for example, the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) and the Advance Cargo Information System (ACIS) as well the need for the collecting and sharing of information. Legal Security Instruments that are still outstanding must be signed and ratified by Member States. For example, one (1) more ratifying state is required for the CARICOM Arrest Warrant Treaty to be entered into effect.”
In his remarks, the Prime Minister also pointed out that CARICOM needed to develop its own set of priorities on crime prevention, firearms, cyber-security, effective monitoring and evaluation and maritime coordination.
“Colleague Heads, ladies and gentlemen, the security of the future of the Caribbean Community will be determined by our ability to more effectively and efficiently respond to, and anticipate threats to our Region’s enduring interests. This is the essence of strategic foresight, to identify drivers of change, and to consider potential outcomes and interests to inform strategic decisions. Crime and security is the fourth pillar of the regional integration process and the Council for National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE) coordinates security and law enforcement arrangements across the Community. Let us understand that for us to have a future we must ensure that our citizens are safe and secure,” he said.
Please read remarks by the Prime Minister here.