BARBADOS and the region have come in for praise for their proactive approach in fighting illegal drugs and related crime.
This acknowledgement is coming from Laura A. Griesmer, Charge d’ Affairs of Bridgetown and the Eastern Caribbean, during the opening of the 22nd Annual Caribbean Regional Drug Commanders Training Conference Barbados 2016 at the Crane Resort this morning.
She said on arriving in Barbados she was impressed by the coordination with the United States’ Drug Enforcement Agency and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.
“Recognising that cooperation is imperative for relatively small southern states to exercise effective patrol over such a large maritime space, they work together through the Regional Security System, a proud organisation that is a model for regional cooperation …,” said Griesmer.
Griesmer said the RSS also coordinated closely with several NATO countries through their navies, coast guards and law enforcement authorities with interest in the region including the United States.
She said the bedrock of common successes during coordination was the region’s professional rule of law institutions and the people who had committed their lives to them.
“Take for instance the Barbados Royal Police Force, the Defence Forces and the Director of Public Prosecutions . . . these institutions [embody] Barbados’ proud traditions to public service,” said Griesmer.
The three-day conference has attracted almost 26 regional countries and is to look at ways to counteract drug trafficking and its related crimes.
“We are grateful to you for all your efforts. I know you have a tough job,” said Griesmer and added that the presence of the commanders in Barbados showed that they were committed to fighting against illegal drugs.
She also praised the Royal Barbados Police Force Band for its execution of the anthems of Barbados and the United States of America and the Marines for their ceremonial input during the opening ceremony. (JS)
