VZCZCXYZ0051
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHSP #0170 1011533
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 101533Z APR 08
FM AMEMBASSY PORT OF SPAIN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9100
INFO RUCNCOM/EC CARICOM COLLECTIVE
RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS 3759

UNCLAS PORT OF SPAIN 000170 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
DEPT FOR WHA/CAR 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL KCRM PREF PGOV TD
SUBJECT: CARICOM'S CRIME MEETING LEADS TO DEPORTEE AND REGIONAL 
SECURITY INITIATIVES 
 
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED; PLEASE PROTECT ACCORDINGLY. 
 
¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Prime Minister Manning hosted an April 4-5 CARICOM 
heads of government meeting on crime and security in Port of Spain. 
Among agreed initiatives were to increase maritime and airspace 
security cooperation, explore the creation of a regional rapid 
deployment force, develop a Caribbean firearms database, increase 
anti-drug intelligence sharing and the use of DNA to investigate 
murders, work toward a CARICOM and hemispheric justice (presumably 
witness) protection program, and to train anti-kidnapping units. 
The leaders also agreed to pursue MOUs with the U.S., UK and Canada 
on deportees.  In an April 7 lunch with the Ambassador and visiting 
WHA Director of Caribbean Affairs Velia De Pirro, National Security 
Minister Martin Joseph reiterated Trinidad's view that the deportee 
issue must be approached regionally and noted his interest in 
putting five C-26s in the Caribbean skies to counter drug 
trafficking and other crimes. END SUMMARY. 
¶2. (U) With the exception of the President of Suriname, all leaders 
of the CARICOM nations met April 4-5 in Port of Spain to discuss 
crime and security.  At the end of their two-day meeting, the heads 
of government issued a five page statement detailing their talks and 
items for follow up.  Among highlights, the CARICOM leaders agreed 
to: 
- Engage international partners, "particularly the United States of 
America," on fighting the regional drug trade. 
- Sign a Maritime and Airspace Security Agreement by July 2008. 
- Examine creation of an anti-crime "Rapid Deployment Regional Join 
Force." 
- Step up the use of DNA and specialized forensics to counter crime. 
 Train anti-kidnapping units 
- Establish a CARICOM Justice (presumably witness) Protection 
Program, establish a CARICOM polygraph capacity to counter 
corruption in law enforcement bodies, and pass legislation to allow 
for plea bargaining, asset seizure and wiretapping. 
- Pursue deportee negotiation with the U.S., UK and Canada, 
including on "adequate notification periods," sharing of full 
criminal and medical records, assisting in reintegration. 
- Set up a CARICOM Arrest Warrant. 
For a detailed list of agenda items, please visit 
http://www.caricom.org/jsp/pressreleases/pres 75_08.jsp 
¶3. (SBU) During a lunch at the Ambassador's residence on April 7, 
National Security Minister Joseph noted the CARICOM leaders were 
approaching crime regionally and implied the U.S. should reciprocate 
in the way it deals with CARICOM on this issue.  He specifically 
reiterated the GOTT's position that the deportee issue must not be 
dealt with bilaterally. 
¶4. (SBU) As part of its anti-drug effort, Joseph noted that Trinidad 
plans to refurbish the two C-26 aircraft previously donated by the 
USG.  It also is interested in exchanging its two (non-flying past 
donated) Pipers for a new C-26.  Finally, Joseph made a pitch for 
USG assistance to refurbishing Barbados' two C-26 aircraft.  If all 
these plans panned out, a total of five functional C-26s would be 
available to support regional security and patrol efforts. 
¶5. (SBU) COMMENT: The CARICOM communiqu strikes us as having 
several positive facets (e.g., interest in wiretapping and asset 
seizure legislation), along with a few less upbeat (e.g., deportees) 
sections.  The leaders' statement offers opportunities, should we 
choose, to engage the region on a key concern. END COMMENT. 
AUSTIN