Kingston, Jamaica – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is facing increasingly complex security challenges, prompting renewed calls for deeper regional cooperation in defence and security. This urgent message was delivered by Permanent Secretary Courtney Williams, representing Jamaica's Minister of National Security, Dr. Horace Chang, at the opening of the 2026 Caribbean Nations Security Conference (CANSEC) held in Kingston.
Williams underscored the critical need for CARICOM member states to adopt a unified approach to combat a range of evolving threats. These include the persistent menace of transnational organized crime, the growing sophistication of cybercrime, and the far-reaching impacts of climate change. The Permanent Secretary's remarks highlighted that these multifaceted challenges transcend national borders, demanding a collective and coordinated response from across the region.
The CANSEC conference, co-hosted by the Jamaica Defence Force and the U.S. Southern Command, serves as a vital platform for fostering collaboration among defence and security professionals from various nations. Its primary objective is to facilitate the development of comprehensive strategies to address the intricate security landscape of the Caribbean. The gathering brings together experts to share insights, best practices, and to forge stronger partnerships aimed at bolstering regional resilience against both traditional and emerging threats.
This emphasis on regional defence and security cooperation is not new. Just last Tuesday, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Major General (Ret’d) Antony Anderson, reinforced a similar commitment while addressing defence and security professionals from 16 nations at the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies, National Defense University, Fort McNair, Washington D.C. Ambassador Anderson's address further solidified Jamaica's dedication to a collaborative approach to regional stability. The consistent message from Jamaican officials, both domestically and internationally, underscores the nation's leadership in advocating for a more integrated security framework within the Caribbean.
The discussions at CANSEC 2026 are expected to delve into practical mechanisms for enhancing intelligence sharing, joint training exercises, and coordinated responses to crises. The conference provides an opportunity for participating nations to assess current security postures, identify vulnerabilities, and collectively strategize on how to build a more secure and stable Caribbean. The collaborative spirit fostered at such events is deemed essential for safeguarding the region's future against a backdrop of dynamic and interconnected global security challenges.
