By Kurt Campbell
[www.inewsguyana.com] – Security Ministers and representatives from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have converged in Guyana for the Fourth Meeting of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) Commission.
CBSI was conceived and developed as a shared security partnership among the countries of the Caribbean Community, the Dominican Republic and the United States and was formally launched in 2010 and has emerged as the a genuine partnership among 14 nations.
During this meeting the 14 member states will review and celebrate the accomplishments over the year and prepare for future initiatives and make recommendations for the sustenance of projects and programme embarked on after the CBSI would have come to an end.
At the opening of the meeting on Monday morning (November 18) at the Guyana International Conference Centre, Liliendaal, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds reiterated the importance of collaboration and partnership in addressing security challenges at the regional level.
He said of great importance is the collaboration between Regional States and the developed countries, since some of the challenges faced are influenced by events outside the borders of affected countries.
“The Region cannot solve its security challenges in isolation, especially since there is influence by events outside borders… we have to work together and seek partnerships,” he implored.
According to Hinds, the CBSI has helped Guyana to make significant strides in reducing crime and improving security. He told the gathering that the Guyana Government has used its funding to build law enforcement capacity and work with youths on issues affecting them to deter involvement in criminal activities.
Meanwhile, Unites States Ambassador and Plenipotentiary Representative to CARICOM Dr. Brent Hardt in expressing his hope for the next two days of the meeting, said that he looks forward to vigorous exchange of idea that will integrate the efforts of the working groups to chart a clear path forward.
He is hopeful that at the end of the meeting all participants will be able to return to their respective countries with renewed commitment to the CBSI.
This is the second time Guyana is hosting this meeting having hosted one in October 2011. Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee was not present at the opening ceremony.
