Regional Security Mechanisms
1.42. Much has already been put in motion and realised in the area of regional security.
Examples include the creation of the Regional Crime and Security Management Framework, the
establishment of CARICOM IMPACS and its sub Agencies; the Regional Intelligence Fusion
Centre, the Joint Regional Communications Centre as well as the Regional Security System and
the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, amongst others.
1.43. These mechanisms have brought tremendous value to the Region and are indispensable as
regional focal points to ensure sustainable solutions to crime and security issues through the
pursuit of long-term coordinated and sustainable programme implementation. As CARICOM
moves towards enhanced functional cooperation, it is important to strengthen these vital security
mechanisms and consolidate the Region’s capabilities.
1.44. National efforts are critical. But they can also have the unintended consequence of
displacing criminality from one Member State to another. In order to effectively address the
problem of crime and its impact on the security of the Caribbean, the CARICOM Member States
need to have integrated policies that are regional in scope, and are complemented with a strong
regional security framework that is adequately financed and fully supported by all governments.
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