– Benn says; calls for robust, coordinated effort

GIVEN the complex security challenges facing the Caribbean region, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn has issued a clarion call for a more robust and coordinated effort to tackle transnational organised crime and address the ongoing crisis in Haiti.

He made this call during his address at the Regional Security System (RSS) Council of Ministers Meeting, which was held on Friday at the Ramada Princess Hotel, Providence, East Bank Demerara under the theme, “Strength through Unity.”

Benn, who is also the outgoing chair of the RSS, stressed the need for the security body to “up its game” in response to evolving challenges, stressing the urgency of enhancing synergy among member states and international partners.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Benn highlighted the multifaceted nature of transnational organised crime, including drug trafficking, money laundering, gun smuggling, and human trafficking.

He warned that these criminal activities pose significant threats to regional security and stability, necessitating a comprehensive and proactive approach from the RSS.

“We need to pay attention to the questions of drug trafficking, money laundering, guns coming into the region, and being used in support of nefarious activities,” Benn said, adding that the “requirements for our total security system now demand a response commensurate with the challenges we face.”

One of the key themes of Benn’s address was the importance of anticipating and adapting to emerging threats. He urged member states to take a longer-term view, looking ahead three years to determine how the RSS will position itself to confront evolving challenges effectively.

“We must be able to respond to new and evolving challenges…Our discussions must focus on how we will evolve and how we will respond to these challenges,” he said.

Benn also stressed the need for greater collaboration and synergy among RSS member states and international partners.

He called for increased support in areas such as interdiction, prevention, and intelligence sharing, emphasising the critical role of effective communication and coordination in combating transnational crime.

“We must deepen the communication and connection between our security forces and intelligence agencies…We need to find ways to create more synergies between RSS member states and international partners,” he said.

Addressing specific challenges faced by individual territories, Benn emphasised the importance of diversity and gender representation within security forces.

He explained the need for greater involvement of women and minorities at all levels of law enforcement and intelligence agencies, as well as enhanced representation in decision-making processes.

“We need to pay more attention to diversity in our forces at all levels…Our women and children need to be more respected, protected, and engaged in a proper way in relation to how we develop in the region,” Benn remarked.

HAITI

Benn also touched on the ongoing crisis in Haiti, signalling the need for regional solidarity and support in stabilising the country.

The backdrop of this is a harrowing landscape of suffering and chaos in Haiti. January alone witnessed over 1,100 people killed, injured, or kidnapped.

Gangs, wielding terror through sexual assault, rape, and sheer force, now control 80 per cent of Port-au-Prince.

This reign of terror has crippled the nation, blocking essential trade and aid routes, shuttering schools, and severing access to basic necessities such as food, water, healthcare, and electricity.

In 2021, Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated following the ongoing violence.

The resultant scenario is grim: Half the nation subsists on a single meal per day, and a swelling humanitarian crisis threatens to engulf the entire population, with 3,000,000 (three million) children in dire need of aid.

Earlier this month, during a multi-stakeholder meeting spearheaded by CARICOM’s Chairperson and Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, held in Kingston, Jamaica, Haiti’s incumbent Prime Minister, Ariel Henry had agreed to resign, paving the way for the establishment of a new transitional presidential council and inching the nation closer to fresh elections.

Benn expressed concern over the loss of life and the impact of smuggling and trafficking on neighbouring countries, calling for a coordinated response to address the root causes of the crisis.

“I know the RSS is particularly new in age on the questions of Haiti. Ultimately, if we’re not able to help in the stabilisation of Haiti, it will speak to profound failures again.

“We must work together to address the underlying issues and prevent further destabilisation of the region,” he warned.

Benn used the 2020 elections in Guyana which were marred by disputes and delays, with the results not being declared until August 2, 2020.

The elections also attracted international attention, with calls for reform and concerns over electoral fraud and irregularities from the former government.

“We’re so grateful when we had our democratic challenge in Guyana that all our development partners…and regional brothers and sisters stood with us on this question…Because failure at that time, could have perhaps put us, well hopefully not, having the same experiences that Haiti is now having,” he said.

As such, Benn reiterated the fundamental importance of democracy, security, and development in maintaining peace and stability in the Caribbean.

He stressed the need for a holistic approach to security, encompassing law enforcement, justice reform, and social development.

“Our ultimate goal is to ensure peace, freedom, and development for all. But to achieve this, we must strengthen our security apparatus, enhance collaboration among member states, and address the root causes of transnational crime and instability,” Benn declared.

International partners United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot; British High Commissioner to Guyana Jane Miller and EU Ambassador, René van Nes backed this call.

Similarly, the incoming chairman of the RSS, Dr. Terrance Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis said that it is imperative to seek innovative solutions and forging new partnerships to confront the complex security challenges facing the Caribbean region.

“A destabilised Haiti can never result in a stabilised region. An unstable Haiti will result in an unstable region. None of us by ourselves can meet the task of providing security for each of our member states, we must work together” he said.