Security heads attend 40th RSS Anniversary celebrations

Head of the Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force, Colonel Telbert Benjamin, and Commissioner of Police, Atlee Rodney were among the security heads who attended the Regional Security System (RSS) 40th anniversary.

A church service, also attended by a contingent of police officers and soldiers from both forces took place at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Grand Anse Grenada, on Sunday 9th October along with

Several dignitaries and government officials were also in attendance; including the Governor General of Grenada and Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dickon Mitchell.

Mitchell, who is presently the chairman of the RSS’s Council of Ministers, encouraged other regional leaders to embrace the ideals of the institution and to provide the level of support that is necessary for its continued survival and success.

The first scripture lesson was read by Commissioner Rodney, who is also celebrating 40 years of unbroken service to the Royal Police Force and the nation of Antigua and Barbuda.

Bishop Clyde Martin Harvey in his Homily admonished the members of RSS to continue serving the people of the region. He applauded the efforts of the organization for 40 years of existence and emphasized the importance of unity among the members.

Executive Director, Commodore Errington C. Shurland and the staff of RSS headquarters were also present and participated in the service to mark the special occasion.

The Regional Security System-RSS was founded in October 1982 to address regional security issues.  It has grown over the years and made significant contributions toward all aspects of security within its member states.

These include maintaining law and order, responding to disasters; as well as conducting major investigations and continuous training programs. It has also been playing a significant role since the Covid-19 Pandemic by transporting samples from regional states to CHAPHA in Trinidad.

Guyana is the latest Caricom country to have shown interest in becoming a member of this august body in the not-too-distant future.