Community’s approach to security and are instrumental in the deepening of CARICOM’s integration process. 7. In 2001 a Task Force on Crime and Security was established to “examine the major causes of crime, and to recommend approaches to deal with increasing levels of crime and violence and security threats in the Region”. 8. A major outcome of the work of the Task Force was a proposal for the creation of a framework for the Region to effectively manage its crime and security challenges. This proposal was further reinforced by the recognition that the establishment of a CARICOM Single Market and Economy would necessitate a permanent framework to strengthen coordination of regional crime and security policy and to facilitate cross functional cooperation among law enforcement and security agencies. 9. Against this backdrop the CARICOM Heads of Government established a framework for the management of crime and security in the Region. Among other structures, the Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) was established by way of an Inter-Governmental Agreement signed by CARICOM Heads of Government in July 2006, as part of a management framework and mandated to give effect to the regional crime and security agenda. 10. In pursuance of the regional thrust and the growing importance of security on the international scene, a decision was taken by the Heads of Government in 2007 to establish crime and security as a Fourth Pillar of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (2001). 11. Although significant strides have been made, the work is still far from completion. This Strategy recognises that effective regional crime and security mechanisms are essential for advancing the Region’s security interests, and critically important to the implementation of CARICOM Single Market and Economy. Pre 2001 •The Regional Crime and Security Agenda, its priorities and arrangements for implementation were significantly influenced by international partners and based on externally determined strategic objectives and priorities. 2001 •The Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM at its 22nd Meeting established a Regional Task Force on Crime and Security (RTFCS) to examine the major causes of crime, and to recommend approaches. 2002 •The RTFCS Report contained 113 recommendations that were endorsed by the Heads of Government of CARICOM. The Report sets the parameters for greater regional cooperation and collaboration. 2005 •The Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM at its 26th Meeting agreed to the establishment of a Regional Framework for the Management of crime and security in CARICOM. 2006 •The Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM at its 27th Meeting established IMPACS as the coordinating and implementation Agency for regional security. 2007 •CARICOM Heads of Government declared security the Fourth Pillar of the Community alongside Trade and Economic Integration, Foreign Policy Relations and Functional Cooperation. 2008 •CONSLE, at its Fifth Meeting agreed that the development and delivery of the Regional Crime and Security Strategy should be undertaken as a permanent project of CARICOM IMPACS. 2013 •The Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM at its 24th Intersessional Meeting adopted the 'CARICOM Crime and Security Strategy' . 12. IMPACS and its two sub-Agencies, the Regional Intelligence Fusion Centre (RIFC), the Joint Regional Communications Centre (JRCC); as well as the Regional Security System (RSS) and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) have and continue to play pioneering and indispensable roles in coordination and 10