Senator Jeff Baron In D.C. For Security Meeting
Following an invitation facilitated by the United States Consul General, Junior Minister of Public Safety Sen. Jeffrey Baron is in Washington D.C. for the Fourth Annual Caribbean-United States Security Cooperation Dialogue, organized under the Caribbean Security Basin Initiative convened today [Dec 6].
As the U.S. State Department indicates, the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative [CBSI] is the latest pillar of a U.S. security strategy focused on citizen safety throughout the hemisphere.
CBSI brings all members of the Caribbean Community [CARICOM] and the Dominican Republic together to jointly collaborate on regional security with the United States as a partner.
The United States is making a significant contribution to CBSI, committing $203 million in funding for the first three years of the initiative.
The United States and Caribbean countries have identified three core objectives to deal with the threats facing the Caribbean:
- Substantially Reduce Illicit Trafficking: through programs ranging from counter-narcotics to reducing the flow of illegal arms/light weapons.
- Increase Public Safety and Security: through programs ranging from reducing crime and violence to improving border security.
- Promote Social Justice: through programs designed to promote justice sector reform, combat government corruption, and assist vulnerable populations at risk of recruitment into criminal organizations.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety Michael Dunkley, who is unable to attend the meeting owing to on-island commitments in the House of Assembly, said, “U.S. Consul General Mr. Robert Settje introduced this initiative to the Ministry of Public Safety earlier this year and kindly arranged for Bermuda to be invited to this important ministerial level meeting in Washington D.C.
“I am grateful to him for including us in this discussion, particularly as we await the recommendations of the Security & Defence Review Committee and how Bermuda will position itself from a security and interdiction perspective in the future.
“Although I am unable to attend, I think it is important for Bermuda to be represented at this meeting and Senator Baron is well qualified to do so on my behalf.”
Of particular note are sessions on maritime interdiction and at-risk youth and alternative sentencing arrangements.
Sen. Baron said, “This is an important discussion for Bermuda to be a part of. Our situation is not unique and, in addition to sharing our solutions, there is great value in determining what has worked in other jurisdictions also. The United States is working with countries in the region and their partnership is highly valued.”
Read More About
Category: All
