Canada Reaffirms Support for Regional Maritime Security

Canada has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening maritime security across the Caribbean through regional partnerships, to improve maritime domain awareness, enhance information sharing and operational readiness, and disrupt trafficking networks that exploit the region’s maritime space.

This was highlighted by Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, His Excellency Mark Berman, at the Final Planning Conference for Exercise Event Horizon 2027, at the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Caribbean Military Academy, on October 27.

Canada’s support for regional security cooperation comes ahead of Exercise Event Horizon 2027, which will bring together military, civilian and regional partners to test readiness and interoperability across maritime security, search and rescue, cybersecurity, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Exercise Event Horizon 2027 is scheduled to take place from January 15 to 29, 2027, with planning coordination supported by international partners such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the World Food Programme.

“Lasting security outcomes depend on partnerships and the complementary strengths, expertise and resources of our partners to support effective, multifaceted solutions,” the High Commissioner said. Exercise Event Horizon 2027 was cited as an example of this partnership-based approach to build the mutual trust necessary to respond effectively when real-world crises emerge.

The multi-agency, multi-country exercise, led by the JDF, is expected to support greater coordination across the region’s maritime security community, reinforcing the importance of joint preparedness in addressing both current and emerging threats.

High Commissioner Berman also recognised the leadership and contribution of the Regional Security System (RSS) and the Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) in advancing regional security cooperation.

The two regional institutions play important roles in coordinating expertise, strengthening collaboration and supporting collective responses to security challenges across the Caribbean.

The High Commissioner pointed out that Canada’s support reflects the recognition that maritime security is a shared responsibility requiring sustained cooperation among regional governments, security institutions and international partners.

By combining capabilities and resources, participating countries can strengthen their ability to detect and respond to threats, while protecting legitimate maritime activity and supporting regional stability.

“Together, these efforts help to build effective security cooperation to meet today’s challenges and prepare for those of the future. Canada is very interested in supporting these efforts and working alongside our partners,” he said.

“Through partnerships, shared values and collective action, we can build a safer, more secure and more prosperous Caribbean, where legitimate trade, economic opportunity and sustainable development can thrive,” High Commissioner Berman added.

Exercise Event Horizon is a biennial multinational, multi-agency, and multi-domain military and security exercise hosted by the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), through its Maritime Air and Cyber Command (MACC).

It simulates real-world security threats, maritime law-enforcement challenges, cybercrime, and natural or man-made disaster scenarios to test and improve regional readiness, interoperability, and standard operating procedures.