UK-Caribbean Heads of Defence Conference concludes

Part of the capability display (GDF photo)
Part of the capability display (GDF photo)

The United Kingdom and Caribbean Heads of Defence Conference concluded on Wednesday with a unanimous recommitment from  participants to continue their collaborative efforts.

The two-day event brought together representatives from countries across the region. Chief-of-Defence Staff for the United Kingdom, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, expressed his gratitude to Guyana for hosting the event. Against the backdrop of increased global volatility, Admiral Radakin emphasized the importance of a peaceful and secure Caribbean region, where nations, irrespective of size, collaborate to address shared challenges.

“Our discussions covered serious organized crime, intelligence sharing, cyber security, and hydrography. In light of the evolving global landscape, the Chiefs and I are more convinced than ever that global stability is best served by a cooperative and secure Caribbean,” said Admiral Radakin during the concluding remarks, according to a release from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

GDF Chief of Staff Brigadier Omar Khan praised the valuable contributions of all the delegates and acknowledged the honour of hosting counterparts from various nations. He highlighted the importance of international collaboration on mutual interests.

“As we reflect on the achievements of this conference, it reaffirms the strength of our partnerships and the commitment to addressing security challenges collectively. This collaboration is essential for the prosperity and stability of our respective nations,” Khan said.

Conference delegates also witnessed a capability display hosted at Headquarters, Coast Guard.

The fifth United Kingdom and Caribbean Heads of Defence Conference is scheduled to take place in the Dominican Republic in 2025.