Criminal networks exploiting Caribbean waters; Walrond calls for stronger regional maritime cooperation

Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond on Tuesday underscored the critical role of regional maritime cooperation in combating transnational crime, warning that criminal networks continue to exploit vessels and maritime routes across the Caribbean.

Addressing the opening of the 31st Caribbean Port State Control Conference, Walrond said no country can effectively tackle maritime threats on its own, as criminals routinely operate across multiple jurisdictions.

“Criminal networks do not respect national borders, and the vessels they exploit often move across multiple jurisdictions,” Walrond told the gathering including delegates from across the region.

She said the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Port State Control has become an essential tool in strengthening regional security by facilitating information sharing, intelligence exchange and coordinated action among maritime authorities.

According to Walrond, the sharing of inspection data, intelligence, best practices and risk information enables member states to identify suspicious vessels, detect emerging threats and disrupt activities such as narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, illegal migration and other forms of transnational organized crime.

“In this way, the Caribbean MOU serves not only as a mechanism for maritime safety and compliance but also as an important pillar for collective security in the Caribbean region,” she said.

The Home Affairs Minister noted that the issue carries added significance for Guyana as the country’s economy expands and maritime traffic continues to increase.

“For Guyana, this is particularly significant as our economy expands and maritime traffic increases. The security of our ports and territorial waters becomes inseparable from our national security,” she said.

Walrond further stressed that maritime security should be viewed as a national security priority, noting that every unsafe vessel identified, irregularity detected and piece of intelligence shared contributes to protecting borders, safeguarding legitimate trade and maintaining investor confidence.