Statement by Senator the Honourable Knowlson GIFT, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago made during the Dialogue of Heads of Delegation at the 32nd Regular Session of the OAS General Assembly
Barbados, June 3, 2002

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Topic: The Multi-dimensional Approach to Hemispheric Security

Thank you, Madame Chairman

Permit me to echo the sentiments expressed around this table in congratulating the Head of the Barbados Delegation on your election as Chair of this Assembly. We are quite aware of your ability and therefore feel confident that the conduct of our deliberations could not be in more competent hands.

Without a doubt, the Delegation of Barbados has succeeded in having this 32nd General Assembly focus its attention on the core issue of the moment, the "Multi-dimensional approach to the question of hemispheric security"

This is indeed a departure from the traditional definition of security, predicated as it has always been, on military considerations, in so far as the priorities of nation states are concerned.

The well being and welfare of our population must now take paramountcy over this traditional straight jacketed type of security priority to which we have all grown accustomed.

Speaking for my own country, Trinidad and Tobago, a state comprising two islands, in a region that is geographically located near South America, and at the cross roads between North and South America and Europe, with a multi-ethnic population - we are acutely aware of the vulnerability of our economies and our need to provide the environment of social stability in which all our nationals can prosper. We have sought to create an environment in which we can develop our capacity and capability to trade fairly and equitably and in which health, education and the eradication of poverty are major priorities. If we are unable to fundamentally address these issues without a high sustainable degree of success, the democracies which we have sought to maintain and which we cherish will certainly be challenged by forces both outside and within the country and the region.

Madame Chair, it is for this reason we strongly hold the view that our security and well being cannot and must not be addressed only in terms of the narrow view of military issues. Our countries have had to face over the last few years the increasing levels of HIV/AIDS infection which have adversely affected our work force at all levels ; we have to deal with the effects of not only hurricanes, but also those of climate change and the consequential erosion of our beaches and levels of rainfall resulting in large scale flooding; we are seeing, all too often, attempts to erect barriers which are designed to limit or curtail our effectiveness to compete in the market place; and we have also had to face increasing levels of drug addiction among our population. All these are threats to our security.

Madame Chair, the illicit drug trade is perhaps the major threat to the security, the economic and social stability and the very fabric of democracy of the small states in the Caribbean Region. The Region's location is considered by drug traffickers to be of strategic value because of its proximity to both the major illicit drug producing countries on the South American mainland and the large drug consumer markets of North America and Europe. In addition, the commercial, communication and other linkages between the Region and North America and Europe provide an added advantage to drug traffickers in having the Region as a transhipment point. Payments for services at transhipment points are being made in kind ( ie cocaine, heroin and marijuana). These substances are sold locally and consequently, there has been an increasing abuse of these illicit substances among the Region's population.

The inescapable link between the illicit drug trade and crime in the Region has led to such crimes as drug related murders, turf wars among drug lords and gangs, stealing and robberies by addicts , rising gang violence and money laundering. There is no incentive to work when a quick and ready source of money can be acquired through drug trafficking.

The Region is fully aware that drug trafficking could result, and as has in fact occurred, in problems such as the corruption of government officials, law enforcement officers, judicial officers and security personnel and the infiltration of governments especially in poorer and weaker nations. It has also led to an increase in the illegal traffic in arms. Citizens have lost a sense of trust, and fear and anxiety have been heightened. Increasingly, countries in the Region have been forced to re-allocate scarce resources which could have been utilized for education and health services, to combat rising levels of drug related crimes.

The increasing drug use among the population of the Region has meant that large sums of public resources must now be spent to provide drug treatment and rehabilitation programmes, to prosecute criminals and to support growing law enforcement agencies and larger prison populations.

In response, the countries of the region have developed mechanisms to address the various aspects of the problem. The fact however is, the drug phenomena is flexible enough to respond and adapt to changes in the environment, society, economy and law enforcement measures. The response therefore dictates that any mechanisms designed, should not only be equally flexible but also must be implemented in a partnership arrangement with other states in which information, experiences and expertise are shared. No one Region, country or island can stand alone in the fight against illicit drugs. But we are committed to fight.

Madame Chair, we have a particular concern about the issue of terrorism and the threat it imposes on our ability to attract and sustain investment in critical key areas of our economies.. We are mindful that our islands may be also used both as breeding ground and as a safe haven for terrorists who have committed subversive acts in other states. Consequently, we have to be vigilant and give full support to, and participate in the various mechanisms designed to combat this latest threat to our security. In Trinidad and Tobago we are particularly concerned because of the huge levels of foreign investment and large multinational companies in the energy sector which we have operating in our country and which can be targets of terrorist activities.

Madame Chair, we wish to reiterate our support for the multi-dimensional approach to security and the need to address its varying nature. Given the links between development and trade, we as Hemispheric nations must strive to provide social and economic stability for our people and region. We can only do this if we accept and recognise that we must also work together to address the security challenges that confront us. We have the capacity and the capability. I am equally confident that we have the political will.

I thank you.