Prime Minister commits to regional security

Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar

April 30, 2012:

At the Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in 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 on March 9 expressed Trinidad and Tobago's continued commitment to regional security.
“The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is committed to regional security and wishes to reassure the region of its continued high interest,” she said.

She advised that Caricom could pool its resources together and build a virtual wall around the region. She said failure to do so could “result in a complete breakdown in law and order and lead to the region surrendering to the lawless and those with other motives inimical to the peace and stability of the region.”

Citing her concern with the security situation in Trinidad and Tobago and regionally, the Prime Minister said “The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago remains steadfast in its commitment to address security threats. “Through its security and intelligence, infrastructure Trinidad and Tobago continues to monitor crime and security developments nationally and internationally."

She said the Trinidad and Tobago Government assured the member states that it was "extremely"concerned with the security situation, "both at home and regionally.”
The Prime Minister also called on each head of government present to communicate their commitment to work with other states, in areas including the sharing of information, intelligence and expertise.

She said local and regional institutions must also be held to high standards and must discharge their duties with professionalism. Persad-Bissessar said there was a definite need to monitor international developments with a view to alerting member states to potential issues. She also announced the establishment a Regional Co-ordinating Unit within the Office of the Prime Minister, which will, among other things, monitor national, regional and international trends with a view to contributing to the development of regional strategies.

Article courtesy www. guardian.co.tt