NASSAU: American actress Viola Davis is in The Bahamas for the Afreximbank Annual Meeting, where a signing ceremony took place Connecting Global Africa with the tools to make a difference.

Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper greets Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley who is in The Bahamas for the Afreximbank Annual Meeting being hosted in The Bahamas.

Regional Security Heads have convened a meeting dubbed, “Enhancing Security Coordination for Major Sports in the Caribbean” with a special focus on the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Cricket.

The meeting which is taking place in Barbados from May 14th – 17th 2024 is organized by The Organization of American States, through the Secretariat of the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE), in collaboration with the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) and the Crime Implementation Agency and Security of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM IMPACS) is being held at the National Council on Substance Abuse Training Room.

Delivering remarks, Mr. Earl Harris, Assistant Director, Corporate Services, Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security -IMPACS emphasized the significant economic opportunities offered by the sports industry, providing pathways for individuals to thrive. He acknowledged the potential of major sporting events to leave a legacy, elevating host countries onto global platforms while fostering economic, political, and social development.

He underscored the unity and empowerment that sports bring, particularly highlighting cricket as a unifying force in the Caribbean. The upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Cricket, scheduled from 1 June to 29 June, was recognized as a pivotal moment to showcase the region’s rich sporting culture on the world stage.

However, amidst the anticipation and excitement, challenges that may affect the safety and security of the event are being discussed to mitigate any possible risks. The importance of collective vigilance and collaboration to safeguard participants and spectators was emphasized to preserve the region’s reputation.

Acknowledging the collective effort required for a successful sporting event, the role of Venue Operations Commanders (VOCs) was highlighted as crucial in ensuring effective security coordination. The success of the games was noted to depend significantly on the leadership and management provided by the VOCs in each participating state.

Mr. Harris also highlighted the importance of active engagement and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders to forge strategies that will strengthen security coordination for the upcoming tournament. Regional leaders expressed gratitude for the commitment shown by attendees and encouraged active participation to guarantee the success and safety of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Cricket.

The meeting is expected to continue with discussions and collaborations aimed at bolstering security measures and fostering stronger bonds among CARICOM countries and their citizens. (PR)

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)