Regional security still a priority for Trinidad

Kamla Persad-Bissessar urges region stand together in security fight.

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad, Monday March 12, 2012 – Trinidad and Tobago is still committed to regional security.

That assurance has come from that country’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar during a firm and clear statement to the Heads of Government at the 23rd Inter-Sessional meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government in Paramaribo, Suriname.

During that address, the prime minister stated that the government of the twin-island state was committed to addressing all security threats, and continued to monitor crime and security developments nationally and internationally through its Security and Intelligence infrastructure.

Persad-Bissessar said CARICOM could build a virtual wall around the region with its rich human resource and local knowledge. But, she warned, failure to do so could result in a complete breakdown in law and order, resulting in the region being forced to surrender to those who sought to disrupt the region’s peace and stability.

The T&T prime minister used the opportunity to announce the establishment of a Regional Co-ordinating Unit within the Office of the Prime Minister, which will monitor national, regional and international trends to assist with the development of crime fighting strategies.

According to reports carried in another section of the media, to avoid such occurrences, the Prime Minister has called on each Head of Government to work with other states with the sharing of information, intelligence and expertise.

However, she made it clear that there was also a need to monitor international developments and alert Member States of any potential issues that may affect them or threaten their peace and security.

But, Persad-Bissessar, who also has lead responsibility for crime and security, has also encouraged the Heads of Government to put the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security Implementation on hold, until consultants submit their final reports.

This comes after reports surfaced last year about the misuse of funds for the agency, originally established for the 2007 Cricket World Cup series. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)