US Increases Support to Caribbean Basin Security Initiative

MONTEGO BAY — The United States (US) will be increasing its financial support to the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) with US$77 million in funding committed for fiscal year 2011/12.

US Secretary of State, Hilary Rodham Clinton, made the announcement at a press conference held yesterday (June 22) at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Montego Bay following high-level talks with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Foreign Ministers.

She said that the amount represents an increase of more than 70 per cent over the US $45 million allocated in the first year of implementation in 2010.

"This support is just one piece of our broader regional security issues that we are tackling," Mrs. Clinton said.

"We are pleased with the progress that we have made so far and optimistic about what we can accomplish in the future," she added.

[ More Photos of the Arrival of US Secretary of State in Jamaica ]

One of the initiatives to come out of the inaugural Caribbean-United States Security Cooperation Dialogue held in Washington, DC on May 27, 2010, the CBSI brings all members of CARICOM and the Dominical Republic together to jointly collaborate on regional security issues with the US as a partner.

The aim is to develop a joint strategy to tackle the full range of security and criminal threats to the Caribbean basin.

Focus is placed on tackling the illicit trafficking of drugs and guns; advancing public safety and security through programmes to reduce crime and violence and improve border security; and promoting social justice  through  justice sector reform,  combating government corruption, and assistance to vulnerable populations at risk of recruitment into criminal organisations.

By BRYAN MILLER, JIS Reporter