Senator Nelson Leads High Level Team to Canada for Security-related Talks

Minister of National Security, Sen. the Hon. Dwight Nelson is in Canada with a top level team from the Ministry where they will meet with their Canadian counterparts in an effort to further strengthen the bilateral relationship which exists between both countries, particularly as it relates to the collaborative and cooperative relationship which exists in security matters.

Minister Nelson is accompanied by Permanent Secretary Dianne McIntosh, JDF Chief of Defence Staff Major General Antony Anderson, Assistant Commissioner in charge of the Anti-Corruption Branch Justin Felice, and Chief Executive Officer of the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency, Jennifer McDonald and Director for International Relations coordination, at the ministry, Karl Hamilton.

Canada has consistently supported the strengthening of Jamaica’s security, and as such, issues to be discussed will include, improving border security at sea, air and land ports, document security, and improving the relationship between Jamaican and Canadian Armed forces.

The issues of deportations and witness protection will also be discussed, as well as increased collaboration and cooperation between the JCF and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, RCMP.

Over the years, the Canadian government has played an integral role in shoring up Jamaica’s security apparatus.

The Canadian Forces have worked on several projects in Jamaica through their Military Training and Cooperation Program, MTCP. 

Last month, the Canadian Government, through its Ministry of National Defence, deployed three CH-146 Griffon tactical helicopters and 65 Canadian Forces personnel to support the Jamaica Defence Force during the 2011 hurricane season.

Canada also assisted in the construction of and the development of the curriculum of the Jamaican Military Aviation School, which opened in 2006.  The school provides aircraft training to pilots throughout the Caribbean.

Other MTCP initiatives with Jamaica include the Counter-Terrorism Operations Centre, and the Naval Boarding Party Training for Caribbean nations, both funded by the Counter-Terrorism Capacity building program of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

Canadian Forces were also instrumental in the construction of the Caribbean Junior Command and Staff College at the Moneague Training Camp in St. Ann, and most recently collaborated  on future  hosting (by Jamaica) of a Canadian military hub.

The Canadians have also assisted with improving polygraph testing and vetting of JCF members

During the visit, Minister Nelson and his team will meet with the Ministers of National Defence and Public Safety; the RCMP Commissioners for Ottawa and Toronto; the President of Canadian Border Services, and the Executive Director of Passport Canada.