Antigua and Barbuda on Wednesday used the opening of the 35th Regional Intelligence Meeting in St. John’s to reaffirm its support for regional intelligence cooperation and collective security across the Caribbean.
Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Legal Affairs, Public Safety and Labour, the Hon. Sir Steadroy C. Benjamin, delivered the feature address on behalf of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who was unable to attend due to prior commitments. Conveying the Prime Minister’s apologies, Sir Steadroy reaffirmed the Government’s full support for the Regional Intelligence Meeting and the wider Caribbean security framework.
Addressing intelligence chiefs and security officials from across the Caribbean, Sir Steadroy praised the forum’s 35-year legacy, describing it as a testament to the Region’s enduring commitment to intelligence sharing and collaboration in combating transnational crime.
He warned that Caribbean nations continue to face increasingly sophisticated security threats, including narcotics trafficking, illegal firearms, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, violent extremism and cyber-enabled fraud. He emphasized that cybercrime has become one of the Region’s fastest-growing threats and called for greater intelligence-led efforts to identify and dismantle criminal networks operating across borders.
The Attorney General also highlighted Antigua and Barbuda’s preparations to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November 2026, noting that regional intelligence cooperation will be critical to ensuring the safety and success of the international summit.
Describing intelligence as the foundation of effective policing, border security, counter-terrorism and financial crime investigations, Sir Steadroy encouraged intelligence leaders to continue strengthening trust through timely, secure and professional information sharing.
He further underscored the importance of modern legislative frameworks to support intelligence operations, including stronger cybercrime legislation, intelligence-sharing agreements and data protection laws.
Closing the ceremony, Sir Steadroy reiterated the Prime Minister’s message that safeguarding the Caribbean requires a united regional approach.
He thanked intelligence professionals for their service and expressed confidence that the meeting would produce meaningful outcomes to strengthen security across the Caribbean Community.
The three-day meeting brings together Heads of Intelligence Units, national security officials and regional security partners to discuss emerging threats, enhance intelligence cooperation and reinforce the Region’s collective security.
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