KINGSTOWN, SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES | October 12, 2026 — A strong call for enhanced operational cooperation, intelligence sharing and maritime surveillance has been issued as Coast Guard Commanders from across the Regional Security System (RSS) convene in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to strengthen the Caribbean's collective response to evolving maritime security threats.
The two-day RSS Coast Guard Commanders Conference, being held October 12–13, brings together senior maritime security officials to examine emerging threats, strengthen operational coordination and develop practical strategies to safeguard the region's waters.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Acting Commissioner of Police of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, Mr. Trevor Bailey, underscored the importance of protecting the region's maritime domain against increasingly sophisticated transnational criminal networks.
"Our internal, coastal and offshore waters are not merely geographical features; they are economic arteries, environmental treasures, and frontline defences of our islands and nations," Mr. Bailey stated.
Highlighting threats posed by narcotics trafficking, illegal firearms smuggling, human trafficking and irregular maritime movements, he warned that no Member State could effectively confront these challenges independently.
"No single force, nation or vessel can police these vast waters alone," he declared.
Mr. Bailey identified three critical priorities for strengthening regional maritime security: enhanced surveillance and maritime domain awareness, real-time intelligence sharing, and strategic deployment of maritime assets.
He advocated greater integration of radar systems, aerial surveillance capabilities and intelligence-led operations to improve the detection, tracking and interception of suspicious vessels.
The Acting Commissioner also stressed the importance of harmonising maritime safety regulations, particularly those governing vessel licensing, safety equipment and communication requirements, to address vulnerabilities exploited by criminal networks.
"We must seamlessly integrate our operational capabilities, align our doctrines, and optimise every
available resource," he urged.
Meanwhile, Conference Chairperson Commander Deon Henry reinforced the need for sustained regional cooperation, operational interoperability and shared responsibility in confronting maritime security threats.
"These challenges demand a sustained, coordinated regional response, built on trust, interoperability, and shared responsibility," Commander Henry emphasised.
He noted that strengthening monitoring, control and surveillance capabilities, alongside consistent enforcement of maritime laws, would be essential to protecting territorial sovereignty, maritime resources and lives at sea.
Commander Henry further underscored that the effectiveness of the RSS depends not only on individual Member States' capabilities but also on their willingness to pool resources, harmonise strategies and strengthen strategic partnerships.
"This RSS Coast Guard Commanders Conference is not just about identifying challenges, but building solutions together," he stated.
Throughout the conference, delegates will review operational priorities, identify capability gaps and explore opportunities to enhance maritime interdiction, search and rescue, surveillance and maritime safety enforcement.
Both speakers challenged participants to translate discussions into actionable strategies and measurable improvements in regional maritime security.
The conference reaffirms the RSS's commitment to strengthening the Caribbean's security architecture through coordinated action, mutual assistance and collective responsibility.
As Commander Henry reminded delegates, the organisation's guiding motto, "Strength Through Unity," remains central to building a safer, more secure and resilient Caribbean.
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