Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security and Peace, Ambassador Alison Stone Roofe, reiterates the importance of partnerships in strengthening the country’s security and defence.
The Permanent Secretary emphasised that “a stronger security partnership is also a partnership in prosperity. When communities are safer, businesses invest; when the rule of law is strong, democracy flourishes”.
She made the statement on Wednesday (April 29) at the Jamaica-Canada Security Dialogue held at the offices of the High Commission of Canada in Jamaica.
Ambassador Stone Roofe noted that the six-decade relationship between Jamaica and Canada is rooted in strong security and defence commitments.
“Canada has been a consistent and constructive ally, supporting capacity-building initiatives, law enforcement cooperation, intelligence sharing, and maritime security,” she pointed out.
She noted that the two nations have shared security challenges including gang activities, illicit trafficking of firearms and narcotics, among other challenges. However, strong, strategic collaboration is required to dismantle these global threats.
Against this backdrop, the Permanent Secretary explained that the government has embarked on a comprehensive security transformation agenda to modernise the country’s security and defence architecture.
Building on these efforts, Ambassador Stone Roofe further stated that the security investments are concentrated on training, infrastructure and equipment development as well as strengthening law enforcement and defence capabilities.
In addition, she noted, “we have also introduced targeted social interventions in violence-prone communities and are expanding our focus on sustainable peace to strengthen long-term social cohesion”.
In her closing remarks, Ambassador Stone Roofe expressed gratitude to the High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica, His Excellency Mark Berman, for the country’s unwavering commitment to advancing security and peace in the region.
Meanwhile, in his remarks, the High Commissioner pointed out that the Security Dialogue is not only about responding to crisis but sharing foresight.
“It’s about seeking and seeing plainly where we are now without illusions, beyond rhetoric to move forward as honest and reliable partners with needs and how we need each other to be stronger in the face of regional challenges that impact our national security and economic sovereignty,” His Excellency Berman shared.
He further noted that while Jamaica and Canada have their respective mandates and constraints, “we share commitment to resilience, to adapting in the face of disruption and to building stronger together. Canada values Jamaica, not only as a partner, but as a leader in the region”.
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