State Minister in the Ministry of National Security Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn says stronger local, regional, and international partnerships are needed to effectively tackle the growing threat of maritime crime in the Caribbean.

She noted that the region is increasingly being negatively impacted by organised crimes, which have far-reaching implications for regional and socioeconomic development programmes.

“The Government of Jamaica recognises its shared responsibility in the fight against transnational organised crime and the concomitant need to improve the country’s maritime domain awareness and border management capabilities,” said Cuthbert Flynn.

The security state minister was speaking at the 11th Caribbean-United States Security Cooperation Dialogue between the Government of CARICOM members states, the Dominican Republic, and the United States to discuss, acknowledge, renew, and deepen cooperation on security.

She said Jamaica is committed to maintaining sustainable collaborations because it contributes to the overall safety and security of the Caribbean.

“Jamaica’s maritime priority actions are strategically developed to respond to the prevailing and emerging threats to its maritime security. Jamaica understands the importance of building out a Maritime Domain Awareness programme and expanding Counter-Transnational Criminal Organisation (C-TOC) initiatives across the region,” said Cuthbert-Flynn.

She added that the Government also implemented advanced radar technology and acquired assets such as Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA). The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) will also receive a Coastal Surveillance System (CSS).