Effective collaboration and regional partnerships are crucial in the ongoing fight against illicit maritime trafficking. In the Caribbean region, the EU-funded SEACOP project is promoting this approach by working closely with various Maritime Law Enforcement (MLE) agencies.
Launched in 2010 as part of the European Commission’s initiative to address organised crime’s impact in different parts of the world, SEACOP has played a significant role in fostering cooperation and streamlining operations among Caribbean MLE agencies. By helping partner countries to better target criminal networks engaged in maritime trafficking, SEACOP has made meaningful strides in enhancing regional security and protecting the Caribbean’s extensive territorial waters. This collaboration is now at play in Guyana, in the framework of the Tradewinds 2023 annual exercise, to which SEACOP was invited to participate as a key regional partner.
Held in Guyana from July 15 – 28, 2023, is a Caribbean-focused multi-dimensional exercise conducted in the ground, air, sea, and cyber domains. TW23 provides participating nations opportunities to conduct joint, combined, and interagency training focused on increasing regional cooperation in complex multinational security operations.
According to Guyana Defense Force Maj. Jaime Castello, lead planner for TW23, this is the second time in three years that Guyana has hosted Tradewinds and there was a great national, regional and international effort put into ensuring the exercise came to fruition.
“Now, after months of planning, extensive coordination and tireless organizing we have finally arrived at this momentous occasion,” Castello said. “The planning committees, logistical teams and those involved have worked tirelessly to produce a plan… and design realistic scenarios that will challenge, inspire and foster growth among the participants.”
SEACOP was actively involved in the preparation of this exercise, participating in a number of preparatory missions over the past few months. Earlier this month, SEACOP Deputy Regional Coordinator for the Caribbean, Jason Kelshall, former Commander in Trinidad and Tobago’s Coast Guard, met with the senior leadership of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) at their headquarters in Trinidad.
During this meeting, the two parties reiterated the importance of strengthening maritime security and cooperation to combat the escalating challenges posed by drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, and other illicit activities that threaten the stability and safety of the Caribbean nations. Both SEACOP and CARICOM IMPACS emphasised the significance of intelligence sharing, joint operations, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts in the region.
“The success of this ongoing mission in Guyana is a testament to the commitment and efficacy of the integrated IMPACS/SEACOP approach,” explains Jason Kelshall, who was asked to brief the role players involved in the scenario-based exercises.
He added: “By fostering collaboration, breaking down silos, and leveraging each agency’s unique strengths, we are witnessing the power of a force capable of confronting maritime transnational crime effectively.”
Background: Tradewinds is an annual exercise sponsored by the U.S. Southern Command with the goal of strengthening partnerships and interoperability among participating nations. It aims to promote human rights and enhance the training capacity and capability of all participants in handling regional crises and security threats.
Participating nations include: Guyana (host nation), Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Dominican Republic, France, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, the Netherlands, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Tradewinds 2023, hosted by Guyana, focuses on countering transnational organised crime and conducting humanitarian/disaster relief operations. It emphasises developing strong relationships among nations and reinforcing human rights awareness.
For more information, please visit DVIDS website
“The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.”
