Regional task force for world cup cricket deployed

In preparation for the Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007 a regional Task Force started a series of deployments last weekend to host countries across the Caribbean, to provide additional security and reassurance to citizens and visitors.

The deployments of Regional Task Force began on 3 March 2007 and will mainly be to countries belonging to the Organisation of East Caribbean States (OECS). The first deployment, including personnel from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Force, was sent to St Vincent and the Grenadines as the warm up matches for the tournament start.{{more}}

The Regional Security Plan for Cricket World Cup brings together law enforcement and military assets under a central command, the Regional Operations Coordinating Centre (ROCC), and involves both the Regional Security System (RSS) and non-RSS countries.

Deputy Prime Minister of Barbados, Honourable Mia Mottley, Chairperson of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Ad Hoc Committee of Ministers of National Security and Law Enforcement for CWC 2007 said, “Small independent states such as ours must pool their resources if we are to maximise our true potential. The security arrangements for Cricket World Cup will be enhanced with the deployment of these assets. Friendly participating and neighbouring states are also supporting the task force with expertise and specialists. We are working together to ensure that those attending the tournament do so in a safe, secure and stable environment.”

Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Lovell, spokesman of CARICOM Operations Planning and Coordinating Staff (COPACS) said, “The aim of the regional Task Force is to enhance security in all host venue states by ensuring there is an integrated security architecture in place. This architecture combines the capabilities of the host nations and the Task Force.”

Plans for regional operations have been put together by COPACS commanded by Colonel Tony Anderson, who has been seconded from the Jamaica Defense Force (JDF).

New legislation (the Regional Assistance Treaty) brings together all nine CWC host countries and Dominica in mutual security assistance arrangements. This augments existing long-standing arrangements under the RSS.