RCMP Reinforces Canada-Caribbean Partnership with Visit to RSSTO

The Regional Security System (RSS), a vital organization dedicated to maintaining peace and security within its eight Caribbean Member States, recently strengthened its collaborative efforts with Canada through a significant meeting and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). This partnership underscores a shared commitment to bolstering regional security and fostering a more secure environment for the benefit of all.

On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, the RSS headquarters in Bridgetown, Barbados, hosted a pivotal meeting between RSS leadership and representatives from the RCMP. The Canadian delegation, comprising Brian Moreau, RCMP Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, and Hugo Boilard, Liaison Officer & Program Manager, engaged in comprehensive discussions with RSS Executive Director, Rear Admiral Errington Shurland, and his team. The dialogue centered on strategic approaches to enhance the RSS’s capacity to safeguard the citizens of its Member States, as well as exploring opportunities for deeper collaboration between the RSS and the RCMP.

The RSS representatives, including Rhea Reid-Bowen, Director of Strategic Services and International Affairs, Kisha Sutherland, Director of the Asset Recovery Unit, Brian Roberts, Director of Training, and Rolerick Sobers, Regional Maritime Officer, provided a detailed overview of the organization’s diverse functions and activities. They elaborated on the RSS’s multifaceted roles, encompassing maritime security, crime prevention, disaster response, and intelligence sharing. Additionally, they highlighted forthcoming initiatives and projects designed to further reinforce security within the Caribbean region, showcasing the RSS’s proactive approach to addressing evolving security challenges.

The culmination of this productive meeting was the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the RSS and the RCMP. Rear Admiral Shurland signed on behalf of the RSS, while Mr. Moreau represented the RCMP, solidifying the commitment of both entities to strengthen their cooperative relationship. This MOU serves as a framework for enhanced cooperation, facilitating the sharing of best practices, joint training exercises, and the provision of technical assistance. It formalizes the intent to collaborate on areas of mutual interest, including combating transnational crime, enhancing maritime security, and strengthening capacity building within the RSS.

The newly established MOU builds upon a long-standing history of Canadian support for the Regional Security System. Canada has consistently demonstrated its commitment to regional security in the Caribbean, providing various forms of assistance over the years through different government departments. This support has included financial aid, equipment donations, training programs, and technical expertise. The MOU represents a continuation of this commitment, further solidifying the strong bond between Canada and the Caribbean region in their shared pursuit of security and stability.

The signing of the MOU marks a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between the RSS and Canada. It reinforces the shared dedication to promoting peace, security, and prosperity within the Caribbean region and the wider hemisphere. This collaborative effort recognizes the interconnected nature of security challenges and the importance of international cooperation in effectively addressing them. By combining resources and expertise, the RSS and Canada aim to create a safer and more stable environment for the citizens of the Caribbean, contributing to a more secure hemisphere for all. This strengthened partnership stands as a testament to the importance of collaboration in tackling complex security issues and promoting regional stability. The MOU promises to be a valuable instrument in furthering the shared goals of both organizations, ensuring a more secure and prosperous future for the Caribbean region.