Today, as the Regional Security System (RSS) commemorates its 44th anniversary, we reflect with pride on more than 4 decades of unwavering commitment to regional security, cooperation and resilience.
Since its establishment in 1982, the RSS has remained a testament to the strength of Caribbean solidarity and the enduring belief that our collective security is best achieved through unity of purpose, shared responsibility and coordinated action.
Over the past 44 years, the RSS has evolved to confront emerging security challenges, strengthen the capabilities of our Member States and safeguard our shared Caribbean space. From supporting national law enforcement and defence agencies to strengthening maritime and aviation security, disaster response, intelligence cooperation, asset recovery and digital forensics, our organisation has continually adapted to meet the changing needs of our Member States.
Our anniversary also provides an opportunity to recognise the invaluable contributions of the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, within the RSS and its Member State security institutions. Their professionalism, sacrifice, dedication and commitment to duty have been instrumental in shaping the organisation we know today.
I extend sincere appreciation to the RSS Council of Ministers, our Member State governments, Chiefs of Defence Staff, Commissioners of Police, heads of security and law enforcement agencies, regional and international partners, and the dedicated staff of RSS Headquarters. Your continued confidence, cooperation and support remain essential to the successful execution of our mandate.
As we look towards the future, the RSS must continue to evolve. We must embrace innovation, strengthen regional interoperability, invest in human capital, harness emerging technologies responsibly and deepen the partnerships that underpin our collective security architecture.
The strength of the RSS has never rested solely in its operational capabilities or institutional structures. It resides in the shared conviction of our Member States that cooperation is not simply an option, but a necessity for securing our common Caribbean space.
As we mark this significant milestone, let us reaffirm our collective responsibility to safeguard our communities, protect our borders, uphold the rule of law and preserve the peace and stability upon which regional prosperity depends.
Forty-four years later, our mission remains as relevant as it was at our inception, and our resolve remains unwavering.
On behalf of the Regional Security System, I extend warm anniversary greetings to our Member States, partners, past and present personnel, and all who have contributed to our journey. May we continue to advance together, guided by our enduring motto: STRENGTH THROUGH UNITY. Happy 44th Anniversary to the Regional Security System!
Rear Admiral Errington Shurland
The Regional Security System (RSS) is a treaty-based collective security organisation comprising 8 Member States: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.
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