Ambassador Henry-Martin Represents Saint Kitts and Nevis at LAAD 2025 in Rio de Janeiro.

Ambassador Jacinth Henry-Martin’s participation in LAAD 2025 underscored the growing importance of multilateralism and collaborative approaches to hemispheric security. The event, a significant defense and security fair held in Rio de Janeiro, provided a platform not just for showcasing defense technologies but also for fostering crucial dialogues and strengthening diplomatic ties among nations in the Americas and beyond. Ambassador Henry-Martin, serving as both the Permanent Representative of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the OAS and the Chair of the Committee on Hemispheric Security, played a vital role in these discussions, representing the shared interests and values of Caribbean nations within the larger hemispheric context. Her presence, alongside a diverse IADB delegation, highlighted the increasing recognition of inclusive representation in shaping regional security agendas. This diversity reflected the IADB’s commitment to incorporating a broad spectrum of perspectives in addressing complex security challenges.

The LAAD Defense & Security Fair served as a critical juncture for geopolitical discourse, facilitating interactions between government officials, defense industry representatives, and other key stakeholders. The IADB’s active engagement within this forum solidified LAAD’s position as a pivotal space for cultivating strategic partnerships and promoting a shared vision for regional security. The event’s focus extended beyond the mere exhibition of defense technology, encompassing discussions on building trust, enhancing operational capabilities, and addressing emerging threats through cooperative mechanisms. The participation of delegations from across the Americas and other regions of the world emphasized the global interconnectedness of security concerns and the need for international collaboration.

The commemoration of the 83rd anniversary of the Meeting of Consultation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the American Republics, held in 1942 in Brazil, provided a historical backdrop for the discussions at LAAD 2025. The theme, “Building Confidence and Strengthening Multilateralism in the Americas,” resonated deeply with the ongoing efforts to foster collaborative approaches to regional security. Ambassador Henry-Martin’s remarks during the commemorative event emphasized the enduring importance of these values in navigating contemporary challenges. She underscored the OAS’s role in facilitating cooperation, training programs, information exchanges, and legal frameworks aimed at maintaining peace and security within the hemisphere. The anniversary served as a timely reminder of the historical foundations of inter-American cooperation and the enduring relevance of multilateralism in addressing shared security concerns.

Ambassador Henry-Martin highlighted the OAS List of Confidence and Security Building Measures (CSBMs) as a valuable tool for navigating the evolving security landscape. These measures provide a structured framework for addressing emerging threats, concerns, and challenges through transparent communication and cooperative actions. By promoting dialogue and information sharing, CSBMs aim to reduce tensions, prevent misunderstandings, and build trust among nations. The emphasis on CSBMs at LAAD 2025 signaled a commitment to proactive and collaborative approaches to security, recognizing that shared challenges require shared solutions.

The Ambassador’s active engagement extended beyond the formal events, encompassing bilateral and multisectoral meetings with representatives from the defense industry and various national delegations. These interactions, as highlighted by Defesa Em Foco, underscored the importance of forging strong diplomatic and security ties through sustained dialogue. The meetings provided opportunities for deeper engagement on specific security concerns and facilitated the exploration of potential areas for collaboration. Through these direct interactions, Ambassador Henry-Martin effectively advocated for the interests of Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Caribbean region, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in regional security architectures.

In conclusion, Ambassador Henry-Martin’s participation in LAAD 2025 signified a strong commitment to multilateralism and collaborative approaches to hemispheric security. Her engagement in high-level discussions, commemorative events, and bilateral meetings underscored the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and inclusive representation in addressing shared security challenges. The event served as a vital platform for strengthening diplomatic ties, promoting a shared vision for regional security, and reaffirming the indispensable role of the Inter-American Defense Board in fostering open communication and collaboration among the armed forces and strategic actors of the Americas. The focus on confidence-building measures and the historical context provided by the 1942 Meeting of Foreign Ministers further emphasized the enduring importance of multilateralism in navigating the complex and evolving security landscape of the 21st century.