Mrs. H.E. Lilian Chatterjee, Canada’s High Commissioner delivered the Keynote address
High Commissioner to Canada in Barbados, Mrs. H.E. Lilian Chatterjee, delivered a keynote address at the opening of a sub-regional technical meeting focused on Enhancing Security Coordination for Sporting Events in the Caribbean, with special emphasis on the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup this morning. The speech highlighted the crucial role of international cooperation in safeguarding major sporting events and ensuring the safety of participants and spectators.
In her address, High Commissioner Chatterjee expressed her pleasure in inaugurating the important gathering of technical experts, emphasizing the significance of sports in nation-building and fostering identity on national and regional levels. She underscored the economic, social, and cultural contributions of major sporting events, noting their potential for economic growth, social cohesion, and intercultural understanding.
With the approaching ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, High Commissioner Chatterjee stressed the need to step up vigilance and enhance security measures against various threats, including those from terrorist groups, criminal organizations, and natural disasters. She emphasized the importance of coordinated security efforts and effective cooperation among the seven co-hosting OAS Member States to ensure a safe and secure environment for all stakeholders.
She commended the collaborative efforts of the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism of the Organization of American States (OAS-CICTE) and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), in enhancing regional preparedness and resilience practices. She acknowledged the longstanding support of the Government of Canada in funding comprehensive regional programs and national strategies aimed at protecting crowded spaces.
The speech also highlighted ongoing activities promoting a secure Caribbean, including Exercise Tradewinds, a multi-dimensional military training exercise focused on improving interoperability and response capabilities. High Commissioner Chatterjee noted Canada’s continued participation and contribution to such exercises, emphasizing the importance of working together to support OAS Member States in ensuring the security and safety of major sporting events.
She expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts and emphasized the importance of effective cooperation in safeguarding major sporting events, echoing the sentiment that together, stakeholders can act as effective “wicket keepers” ensuring a successful and secure ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
CICTE
The CICTE Security in Crowded Spaces program has more than 15 years of experience in the application of regional programs and national strategies aimed at improving the capacity of OAS Member States in the design and effective implementation of integrated security plans for the protection of crowded spaces and vulnerable targets, such as major events and/or tourism destinations. (PR)
