On behalf of the Caribbean delegations gathered here today in Paramaribo, Suriname, I have the pleasure to extend our sincere greetings and warm words of welcome to the delegation of the United States of America.

This technical meeting on Caribbean – US Security Co-operation is of critical importance in many respects. As a consequence of mounting concerns over the threats resulting from transnational crime, in particular the illicit trafficking in drugs and arms, and the rising incidence of violent crime globally, the issue of security has gained increasing prominence on the agenda of the Caribbean Community, and no doubt is also a priority for the US.

The seriousness of these concerns is underlined by the decision taken by the CARICOM Heads of State and Government in 2007 to make security the fourth pillar of the Community along with economic integration, functional cooperation and the coordination of foreign policy. The point has also been made by our Heads of Government that the challenges in the domain of security are of such magnitude that they go far beyond the limited capacity of our small states. Our geographical location which has been a major asset to our economic development also has a major downside. As a vital bridge between the major producers and consumers of illicit drugs, the Caribbean finds itself in an unwanted strategic location with all its negative side effects.

Taking these realities into account, as well as the transnational nature of many of these threats, cooperation with neighbouring states (and we do see the US as a neighbouring state) as well as with external partners in addressing these threats becomes paramount. We therefore embrace the opportunity of this meeting with the US on security cooperation which we are endeavouring to institutionalize.

This having been said, I wish to underscore that the Caribbean Community has taken a number of steps of its own volition through intra-Community cooperation to address these increasing threats to the security of the Community and of its citizens. The details of this initiative will be made clear in the course of our meeting as well as our concerns and our ideas as to how to enrich Caribbean-US cooperation in the domain of security.

We all look forward to a successful and productive meeting as another major step forward in reinforcing the close and friendly relations between the Caribbean and the US.

Thank you.

CONTACT: piu@caricom.org