Security in the single domestic space
Editorial
Stabroek News
April 18, 2007
Even before the start of the current cricket competition, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean Community's lead Head for security Mr Patrick Manning confidently claimed that the security arrangements would be the "most enduring legacy" of the 2007 Cricket World Cup games.
So far, those security arrangements have been successful and congratulations are deserved. But CARICOM heads of government must take the next logical step and make the essential elements permanent. If they have been tested and proven to be good enough for short-lived sport, they might also be good enough for long-term business, leisure and everyday human activities.
Inaugurating the Single Domestic Space (SDS) in February, albeit among only ten Caribbean Community member states, Caribbean Secretary General Mr Edwin Carrington averred to the fact that the joint plans measurably strengthened regional security cooperation. It was no mean feat for several sovereign states which have traditionally taken their time over so many things, to so quickly and competently accomplish common, internationally acceptable security standards.
The SDS has been a unique invention. For the first time, Caribbean citizens of any nationality have not been (normally) required to present their passports at ports of entry of the other countries. Citizens were accorded freedom of movement, an unintended consequence of one of the basic objectives of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy to which member states are committed in order to achieve the goal of "free movement of their nationals within the Community."
The legal infrastructure is impressive. Guyana's National Assembly in January passed the Caribbean Community Special Visa Agreement Bill; Pre-Clearance (ICC-CWC 2007) Bill; Immigration (Amendment) Bill; and the Customs (Amendment) Bill. And in mid-March, the National Assembly unanimously approved the Security Assistance (CARICOM Member States) Bill that provides for the implementation of the Treaty on Security Assistance among member states; and the Visiting Forces Bill and the Status of Visiting Police Officers Bill that provide for the presence, activities, privileges and immunities of members of foreign armed and police forces. These measures collectively provide legislative support for enhanced security and travel within the SDS.
The new institutional architecture is also imposing. In addition to the overarching Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) and the CARICOM Operational Planning and Coordinating Staff (COPACS), the Joint Regional Communications Centre (JRCC), Regional Intelligence Fusion Centre (RIFC), Regional Operational Coordinating Centre (ROCC) and Regional Communications Centre (RCC) have also been established and have been working well for several weeks.
The high level of security cooperation achieved under the SDS has been thirty years in the making. Once retained, the new security system will surely strengthen the bonds among the Caribbean people and hasten the complete establishment of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy. Caribbean citizens' right to move between member states to transact business and travel with ease is bound to foster their common sense of 'nationhood,' secure their common interests and enhance their common future.
CARICOM heads of government must do better in the field of security than the West Indies cricket team has done on the field of sport. The Heads are batting on a good wicket and have had a successful innings in security. They should evince the same enthusiam to transform the temporary sunset security legislation and organisation into permanent regional cooperation when they meet for their annual conference next July.