CARICOM Heads of government are expected to meet in Trinidad  in April  to discuss regional security.

The discourse on regional security can be traced all the way back to the 1950s with the dissolution of the Federation.

Thus far, consensus amongst government heads has proved to be the greatest impediment to the cooperative effort.

While the present administration should be commended for rising to the challenge by taking on the security portfolio for CARICOM and trying to give impetus to the whole mobilization process, greater balance is required to treat with the urgent demand for improved internal security measures.

As it stands, government’s crime fighting initiatives have focused on border security at an exorbitant cost to tax payers, with no noticeable relief.

The complexity of the Caribbean reality will undoubtedly place additional strain on the State’s limited resources.  Whether T&T’s government has the political will to deal with crime on a regional scale is yet to be proved though our internal realities are not encouraging.

Without a doubt, it is in the country’s interest to pursue a collaborative effort for regional security if even for purely economic considerations.  Globally, maritime attacks have increased and our dependence on an oil and gas driven economy necessitate vigilance in protecting regional territorial waters.

In International Narcotics Control Strategy Report – 2008 has given the government a good review for its security measures.

The onus is now on government to balance internal and external security needs while establishing a regional security fund similar to the arrangement underpinning the Caribbean Court of Justice.