Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre, addressing the delegates, underscored the urgent need for deeper regional unity and called on more CARICOM states to formally join the RSS treaty.

“I call on the CARICOM countries to consider acceding to the RSS treaty and to do the same if we are to strengthen regional integration and cooperation in the fight against organized crime, money laundering, and asset recovery,” Pierre said.

He reminded participants that peace in the Caribbean cannot be assumed and must be actively protected through collaboration and shared responsibility. “We cannot take for granted that the Caribbean region must remain a zone of peace,” the Prime Minister warned. “It is my hope that the RSS will continue to grow from strength to strength, because there is no substitute for unity and for the work of the agency.”

Pierre also highlighted the importance of fit-for-purpose leadership within the RSS, stressing that the sustainability of the organization depends on collective commitment and visionary guidance.

Echoing the Prime Minister’s call for cooperation, Saint Lucia’s Police Commissioner Verne Garde emphasized that no single nation can tackle modern security challenges alone.

“We are well aware that security is not the sole responsibility of any one country or any single agency,” Garde stated. “It is only through unity and purpose, sharing of intelligence, joint training, and coordinated operational efforts that we can build the resilience that our citizens expect and deserve.”

This week’s discussions are expected to chart new strategies to counter transnational crime, strengthen law enforcement capabilities, and reinforce the Caribbean’s status as a zone of peace and cooperation.