PM Douglas calls for re-examination of RSS role

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, APRIL 3RD 2009 (CUOPM) – Caribbean nations need to re-examine the architecture of the Regional Security System (RSS), St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas said Friday.
 
In brief remarks as he assumed the Chairmanship of the Regional Security System (RSS) Council of Ministers during a meeting at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, Prime Minister Douglas stressed the need for continuing the close collaboration of the RSS.
 
“The RSS needs to continuing to re-examine its operations in light of the challenges being faced,” said Dr. Douglas.
 
Dr. Douglas also used the opportuinity to express thanks to the outgoing Chairman of the RSS Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister of Grenada, the Hon. Tillman Thomas and welcomed the new Antigua and Barbuda National Security Minister, Dr. the Hon. Errol Cort.
 
Attending the meeting are the Prime Minister of Barbados, the Hon.  David Thompson; Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerritt of Dominica, Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas of Grenada and other senior National Security officials of those countries as well as St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
 
The St. Kitts and Nevis delegation is headed by Attorney General and Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Dr. the Hon. Dennis Merchant and includes Cabinet Secretary, Mr. Joseph Edmeade; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Mrs. Astona Browne; Commander of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, Lt. Colonel Patrick Wallace and Commissioner of Police, Mr. Austin Williams.
 
Also attending are Regional Security Co-ordinator, Mr. Grantley Watson; and Legal Advisor, Cynthia Herbert.
 
The Barbados-based RSS Director of Plans, Intelligence and Law Enforcement for Regional Security Co-ordinator, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ian Queeley of St. Kitts, is also attending the one-day meeting.
 
The Regional Security Council of Ministers is the supreme policy making body of the Regional Security System (RSS) and comprises Ministers of Defence and Security in the member states of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.