Defence Force and US anti-terrorism Caribbean conference ends today

THE UNITED States, in conjunction with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF), will today conclude a week-long conference entitled “Caribbean Anti-Terrorism.” 

It began Monday and the theoretical aspect was conducted at the Crowne Plaza, while the practical execution was done yesterday and will continue today at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. A total of 18 members of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) were among 32 people who participated in the conference, organised by the United States Defence Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). Service members from other countries including Antigua/Barbuda; Grenada; Dominica; Barbados; St Lucia; Jamaica; Bahamas; Guyana; Suriname and the Dominican Republic also took part in the conference.

The aim of the forum is to expose security practitioners to the anti-terrorism measures currently applicable in the global environment. Lead facilitator Marion “Drew” Andrews, of the DTRA, told Newsday yesterday that the United States is sharing its knowledge with Caribbean nations to enable them to develop competency against anti-terrorism. “And we will continue to share information with them (Caribbean),” Andrews said. Local Army Major, George Michael Clarke said terrorism appeals to everyone, and Trinidad and Tobago is no exception. “We are more aware of the practices and procedures that would assist in the event of heightened threats,” Major Clarke said at the stadium. Supt Yvonne Alexander of the Dominica Police Force said the conference was the perfect opportunity for people of the Caribbean to get together for closer collaboration to combat terrorism threats. Alexander’s views were also shared by St Lucia’s ASP of Police George Modeste and Antiguan Army Captain, Trevor Pennyfeather.