The emergence of COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted face-to-face meetings and training globally and CCLEC, like many organizations, has had to adapt to this new environment. This year a shortened version of the CCLEC annual conference was held via video conferencing from November 4th – 6th 2020, primarily to discuss the organization’s work program and finances. Attendance was restricted to member administrations. A total of twenty-nine member countries from the English and Spanish Caribbean region, France, The Netherlands, Spain and the UK participated in the meeting.
CCLEC continues to foster collaboration with law enforcement agencies and at this meeting Lt. Col. Michael Jones, Acting Director of IMPACS, and Mr Michel Nice, INCB Manager of Project OPIOIDS, were invited to make presentations on cooperation in respect of enforcement.
Lt. Col. Michael Jones, presented on IMPACS’ current work program, including a new initiative to strengthen the digital partnership between CCLEC and CARICOM IMPACS. One of the main objectives of this initiative is to operationalize the MOU between CARICOM IMPACS and CCLEC through the sharing of SailClear data. The project will expand access to APIS throughout the fifteen (15) CARICOM members states and enhance the processing of the SailClear API through stronger strategic and digital partnership with CCLEC.
SailClear provides border agencies with an administrative tool to assist with border security whilst facilitating the processing of yachts. A lack of security for visitors to our shores, could have serious impacts on the regional tourism industry and general economies. CCLEC therefore fully endorses collaboration with CARICOM IMPACS to secure the region’s borders.
An MOU with the UNODC/INCB to facilitate the sharing of intelligence on the sources and identity of dangerous substances and training for the region was also approved by Council.
