The 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) officially opened on May 12 at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Georgetown, Guyana. The event, held under the theme “United in Action, Transformed in Purpose: Building an Integrated Caribbean Security Architecture,” brings together over 24 Commissioners of Police from across the region, along with their respective delegations.

The conference, hosted by Guyana’s Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken, aims to strengthen regional collaboration in combating transnational crime and dismantling criminal networks. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Commissioner Hicken emphasised the critical role of community engagement in maintaining security. “Community trust is not a byproduct; it is the foundation of security,” he said, setting the tone for the week-long discussions.

The opening ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials, including His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, and the Honourable Prime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips, MSS.

Amidst the predominantly male ranks of regional police leadership, three distinguished female leaders stood out: Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, Commissioner Shanta Knowles of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Mashena Sealey of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.

Although Acting Commissioner Vanterpool is not scheduled to present at this year’s conference, she highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in tackling increasingly complex criminal threats. “It is clear that regionally, we are now facing a new wave of cross-border crimes, more organised, more violent, and more technologically advanced than ever before,” she said. “Our traditional, nationally confined policing models are no longer sufficient. The threats are clear, and whatever affects one of us directly, affects all of us.”

The conference features a mix of open sessions, accessible to all delegates, and closed sessions reserved for Commissioners and specially invited guests. These discussions are expected to address a wide range of security challenges, including border security, cybersecurity, organised crime, and regional intelligence sharing.

On the second day of the conference, delegates attended an exclusive event titled “Dinner with the President,” hosted by President Ali at his official residence. The evening was marked by warm conversations, fine dining, and moments of camaraderie among the region’s top law enforcement leaders.

A lighthearted moment captured the spirit of the evening when Acting Commissioner Vanterpool, preparing to pose for a photograph with President Ali, realised she was without her shoes. In a spontaneous show of solidarity, President Ali removed his own shoes, drawing smiles and laughter from the gathering.

The ACCP conference will continue throughout the week, with sessions focusing on strategies to enhance regional security and build a more integrated approach to law enforcement across the Caribbean.

The Government of Jamaica has formally appointed Paul Dennis, KC, as its Honorary Consul to the British Virgin Islands (BVI), marking the first such appointment in the Territory. Mr. Dennis, a Jamaican national who has lived in the BVI for the past 32 years, is the Senior Partner at the local law firm O’Neal Webster.

Mr. Dennis paid a courtesy call on Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley, during which he presented his credentials and discussed potential areas of cooperation between the two Caribbean neighbours. The appointment reflects the significant Jamaican diaspora in the Virgin Islands and is expected to deepen collaboration in trade, economic cooperation, agriculture, border security, education, and cultural exchange.

“As small island developing states, our strength lies in unity and our ability to stand together on matters of mutual interest and common concern,” Premier Wheatley said. “This new representation acknowledges the deep cultural and historical bonds between Jamaica and the Virgin Islands and creates a platform for stronger community ties, practical cooperation, and mutual advancement. We look forward to working closely with the Honorary Consul Mr. Dennis and the Government of Jamaica to deepen these connections and explore new avenues for partnership.”

In his new role, Mr. Dennis will provide consular support to Jamaican nationals in the BVI and promote Jamaica’s interests in the Territory. He will operate from offices at Commerce House, 181 Main Street, Road Town, Tortola, and work closely with local government officials to strengthen relations and identify opportunities for collaboration.

“It is a great privilege to serve as Jamaica’s Honorary Consul in the Virgin Islands,” Mr. Dennis said. “I am committed to serving the Jamaican community, promoting Jamaica’s interests, and strengthening the relationship between our two territories. This appointment comes at a time when Caribbean nations are seeking to strengthen regional ties and promote integration in response to global challenges, including climate change, food security, and economic resilience. I look forward to working with the Government of the Virgin Islands to advance shared priorities.”

The Government of the Virgin Islands has extended its best wishes to Mr. Dennis as he assumes this important role, welcoming the appointment as a step towards fostering closer regional cooperation and enhancing the spirit of Caribbean solidarity.

Members of the Alliance in the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands have issued a collective call for national unity and reflection amid a troubling rise in gun violence across the Territory, stressing that the situation must not be allowed to become the norm.

“The challenges we now confront are not normal, and we must never allow them to become the norm in our beloved Territory,” the Alliance said in a statement. “No family, no child, no community walks away untouched by the fear and psychological impact of such violence.”

The Alliance emphasised that the crisis is not defined by a single incident but reflects a growing pattern of firearm use that threatens to destabilise society. They warned that this violence is eroding the foundations of law and order, creating an environment where families live in constant fear.

“This is not normal, and it is not acceptable,” the statement continued, calling for a united national response. “Now, more than ever, we must come together in a national chorus of peace and unity.”

To address the escalating violence, the Alliance has renewed its call for a comprehensive National Crime Reduction Strategy, which they said must involve coordinated efforts by the Government and various stakeholders. The strategy, they argued, should balance strict law enforcement with robust social support, economic opportunities, and sustainable, community-based interventions aimed at reducing the root causes of crime.

The Alliance also called for immediate legislative amendments to close what they described as a critical gap in the Territory’s legal framework. They pointed out that while the possession of a firearm currently carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, possession of ammunition or explosives is subject to a much lighter penalty—a $500 fine or six months’ imprisonment.

“It is not logical to assume that an individual in possession of ammunition or explosives has no access to a firearm,” the Alliance said, calling for the penalties to be brought in line with those for firearm possession, including a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.

They also stressed the importance of proactive community support, including youth outreach, trauma support for survivors, and significant investment in crime-fighting resources.

“We refuse to accept a future where parents are afraid to let their children play outside or where families live in fear of preventable acts of violence,” the statement said.

The Alliance ended their message with a call for unity, encouraging residents to come forward with any information that could assist law enforcement in addressing the recent surge in violence.

“The fight against gun violence goes beyond legislation; it is about saving lives, restoring peace, and securing the future of the Virgin Islands for generations to come,” they said.