Harmonized Legislation and Coordinated Intelligence Sharing Mission Critical for CARICOM
Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, who is now the Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), has underscored that it is imperative for regional governments to integrate technology and improve security systems.
Speaking at the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, Dr. Holness says criminal enterprises are becoming increasingly sophisticated and modern.
Prime Minister Holness said governments must stay ahead of what is happening to dismantle criminal networks.
“We are now facing the organization of violence for profit. This is no longer merely a social issue. It is a threat to our national and regional security, and our jurisprudence and policy frameworks must evolve to address this new reality.”
Prime Minister Holness called for coordinated action among CARICOM member states, highlighting the urgent need for intelligence sharing, joint operations, and common legislative approaches to tackle transnational criminal networks.
Further Regional Collaboration on Haiti
In the meantime, the Prime Minister emphasized that regional collaboration must extend to confronting the spiraling security and humanitarian crisis in Haiti.
“Jamaica was among the first to commit security support to Haiti. But international momentum to aid our sister nation has slowed. We cannot leave Haiti at the mercy of criminal elements. We must reignite the call for global support and lead from the front.”
Dr. Holness assured regional leaders that under his chairmanship, security will be a central priority for CARICOM, alongside efforts to promote peace, stability, and development throughout the region.
“The scale and magnitude of the problem (crime), which is being faced by almost all member countries of CARICOM, cannot be addressed overnight. It took 40 years for the problem to emerge to where it is, and it could not be solved by short-term measures. It will require significant investment, but it will also require unified public support,” Prime Minister Holness said.
As the Caribbean moves forward on its path toward a safer, more resilient future, Prime Minister Holness reiterated that security is a shared responsibility, and the time to act is now.