Antigua and Barbuda this week played host to one of the Caribbean’s most important security gatherings — the 35th Meeting of the Standing Committee of Regional Intelligence Heads — bringing together intelligence leaders from across the Caribbean Community for three days of discussions on the security challenges facing the Region.
Hosts Regional Intelligence Meeting
The meeting, held from July 1st to July 3rd in St. John’s, was organised by the Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) in collaboration with Antigua and Barbuda’s Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP). A total of 32 participants from Caribbean Community Member States attended, joined by seven regional and international partner organisations.
The Opening Ceremony was addressed by Sir Steadroy C. Benjamin, Attorney General of Antigua and Barbuda, who represented the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne.
The PM, who expressed his personal regrets at being unable to attend, delivered a clear message through the Attorney General — that the security of the Caribbean Community is a shared responsibility, and that no single country can tackle the threat of transnational organised crime alone. He also highlighted the direct link between the work of this regional intelligence gathering and Antigua and Barbuda’s preparations to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting — CHOGM 2026 — in November, emphasising that a safe and secure environment is the foundation upon which that landmark event will be delivered.
The Threats Facing Our Region
Intelligence leaders used the three-day forum to examine a range of serious security threats currently facing Caribbean communities — from drug and weapons trafficking to irregular migration, terrorism, and violent extremism. Of particular concern was the growing menace of cyber-enabled fraud, which delegates noted is no longer a minor financial inconvenience but a sophisticated, internationally organised criminal enterprise that is stripping savings from ordinary Caribbean families and financing other serious crimes across the Region.
Working Together for a Safer Caribbean
A highlight of the meeting was a dedicated session with regional and international partners, reinforcing the message that addressing transnational crime requires cooperation that goes beyond any one country or region. Delegates agreed on the need to strengthen intelligence sharing, deepen partnerships, and make better use of financial intelligence to follow the money trail of criminal networks.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Contribution Recognised
The meeting was chaired by Lieutenant Colonel Edward Croft, Director of the ONDCP, whose leadership throughout the proceedings was warmly acknowledged. As he concluded his tenure as Chair, the Executive Director of CARICOM IMPACS, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Jones, praised Lieutenant Colonel Croft’s dedication and experience, recognising his significant contribution to regional security over the years.
Antigua and Barbuda can take pride in having hosted a meeting that has meaningfully advanced the cause of security and cooperation across the Caribbean Community.
