Friday, April 4^th, marked the conclusion of a two day meeting of Council Ministers and Security Chiefs of the member states of the Regional Security System (RSS), at the Marriott Resort in St. Kitts. Officials discussed aspects of regional security and gave pertinent updates on current and future projects.

Commissioner of Police (COP) of the Royal Saint Christopher and Nevis Police Force, James Sutton, addressed the gathering on April 2^nd, emphasized the need for focus on not only organized crime, drug, firearm and cyber threats but on those of the economy, geopolitics and the environment.

 “We must turn our attention to the realities of our environment. The Caribbean is experiencing a notable increase in tectonic activity, evidenced by the heightened frequency of earthquakes spanning our archipelago. This is a stark reminder that disaster preparedness is a core pillar of our national security”, he stated.

He also mentioned the need for modern, comprehensive and efficient emergency response plans, communication systems and rescue protocols that can be implemented at a moment’s notice by national agencies.

COP Sutton expressed that: “A secure region is one that is protected from human threats and is also resilient in the face of nature’s unpredictability.”

The RSS is made up of the member states of Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent & the Grenadines.