Attorney General Dale Marshall has underscored the importance of information and intelligence sharing, and good communications at all levels, saying they are crucial.
Mr. Marshall expressed this view today as he delivered remarks at the opening of the two-day CARICOM IMPACS/INTERPOL’s Eighth High-Level Meeting of the Dialogue on an Effective Multilateral Policing Architecture Against Global Threats, at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre.
The Attorney General told his audience: “The cry from our agencies is that communication and information and intelligence sharing have become endangered species…. There is no point in investing in our regional security organisations…, which are striving to serve us well, if our domestic stakeholders are reluctant to share information and intelligence with them, that is their lifeblood.
“I go further, there is also the need for national, regional, and international agencies to work closely together to ensure that the multiplier effect of this collaboration is seen and felt.”
During the meeting, the participants will examine a Global Data Sharing Framework, and Mr. Marshall emphasised the importance of good data. He proffered the view that good data was the basis for sound analysis and making correct decisions.
He noted that INTERPOL’s National Bureaux and CARICOM IMPACS could be a formidable force in providing vital information to national law enforcement agencies.
“If we are serious about fighting crime, this is going to be a critical part of our armour. Therefore, the strengthening of the National Country Bureaux and their databases, as well as improving regional access to support small countries is crucial,” the Attorney General stated.
He identified Transnational Organised Crime as one of the biggest threats facing the Caribbean now, followed closely by the illicit trafficking in firearms. He pointed out that earlier this year, one of the regional Prime Ministers had been advised by US security agencies that his country was attracting elements of international organised crime.
“This is a wake-up call for all in the region, and certainly a cause for concern. The fact is that issues that rear their heads in one small Caribbean territory are never confined to that single geographical space. Our history and recent trends in crime show that these issues quickly jump from one island to the other. It is a feature of our common history, our close physical space as well as our political and other ties,” Mr. Marshall surmised.
In commending INTERPOL, the Attorney General pointed out that Barbados had benefitted tremendously from its relationship with the institution over the years and described it as a “stellar partner”.
President of INTERPOL, Major General Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, and Executive Director of CARICOM IMPACS, Lieutenant Colonel, Michael Jones, also addressed the opening ceremony.