Copyright thevoiceslu
Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre, in his capacity as Chairman of the Regional Security System (RSS) Council of Ministers, addressed a high-level meeting convened on the occasion of the 43rd Anniversary of the RSS, on Monday October 20, 2025. The meeting brought together Heads of Security, Defence, and Law Enforcement from across the region to review emerging threats and strengthen cooperation in safeguarding the Caribbean’s peace and stability. In his address, Prime Minister Pierre reflected on the founding of the RSS in response to the political and security challenges of the 1970s and 1980s, reminding participants that the threats of that era have evolved rather than disappeared. He cited cybersecurity, organized crime, climate-related instability, and gang violence among the most pressing challenges confronting the region today. “We cannot take for granted that our region remains a zone of peace,” Prime Minister Pierre stated. “The work of the RSS continues to be indispensable to the safety, stability, and prosperity of our citizens.” The Prime Minister underscored that security is the foundation of economic development and social progress, noting that both public and private investment depend on an environment of peace and rule of law. He called on member governments to deepen collaboration, increase investment in training, particularly in cybersecurity and harmonise legislation to ensure consistency in addressing transnational crimes. Prime Minister Pierre reaffirmed Saint Lucia’s commitment to the RSS, encouraged continued engagement with international partners such as the United Kingdom, Canada, the European Union, and the United States, and expressed support for the eventual expansion of the RSS within CARICOM to strengthen regional resilience. The Prime Minister and Chairman of the RSS also emphasised the importance of succession planning and institutional independence, urging the organization to safeguard its credibility and operational focus while remaining responsive to the region’s evolving security landscape. The high-level meeting concluded Tuesday October 21, 2025, following two days of strategic discussions among security officials on ways to enhance regional cooperation, information sharing, and institutional resilience across the Caribbean.
