CATEGORY: REGIONAL SECURITY
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By Trevor Thwaites (St.George's correspondent)

The Regional Security System (RSS) will be collaborating with host countries to provide maximum security for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007. With several of the small countries like Grenada, not having all of the capabilities needed to effectively deal with an event as huge as the world cup, collaboration is the method being employed. “What we have been looking at throughout the Caribbean is a question of collaboration in terms of capacity,” ACP Smith Roberts, disclosed at a recent press conference in St George’s.

He admitted that there is a large gap to be filled with Grenada and other countries having some capabilities, but limited capacity to address the security requirements in terms of human resource and equipment. However, ACP Smith Roberts said that plans have been made to fill the gap by providing support to countries needing it. “We are turning to the Regional Security System (RSS) of which Grenada is a member, to get support in both areas equipment and personnel. That is assured.”

The senior police officer said following a meeting of the RSS comprising the police and military, it was decided that the various countries will be provided with the necessary resources to create a safe, secure and stable environment for matches. With games not being played simultaneously across the islands, ACP Roberts is confident that the approach will bear fruits. “Those things are mandated by CARICOM,” he said. He noted that special measures have been put in place for the World Cup, with the Caribbean being considered as one country for the big event.

“A person entering Trinidad and Tobago is considered to be in Grenada. In other words you are not required to do the same kinds of check-in when they check-into Trinidad. They do not have to do many formalities again to come into Grenada. They will probably have to use a swipe card to come to Grenada, which will show that they have already checked in at Trinidad,” ACP Roberts pointed out.

He indicated that the plan is to preposition security units in support of the participating countries, in an attempt to ensure a safe and efficient security operation during the tournament.

“In other words if we say we need a few unit of soldiers to assist in some particular function during the period, it is expected that we will have those units here with their equipment.” The Director of Security operations here, also disclosed that CARICOM has also approached international countries for assistance and that positive responses have been received from likes of United States, England and Australia to lend support with the supply of human resource and equipment. “We feel confident that we will get the support necessary to efficiently execute the job,” ACP Roberts said.



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