Antigua and Barbuda’s National Security Minister, Steadroy Benjamin, has expressed his admiration for the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) as it marks its 100th anniversary, with Antigua and Barbuda joining in celebrating this milestone.
During a special commemorative event, Minister Benjamin emphasized the significance of Interpol’s global presence, bringing together 195 member countries, including Antigua and Barbuda, in a collaborative effort to combat crime and pursue criminals across borders.
He highlighted Interpol’s crucial role in sharing information on criminal activities and suspects, issuing alerts when criminals are suspected to have fled their home jurisdictions.
Minister Benjamin underscored the grave threats posed by drug trafficking and cybercrimes, undermining the rule of law and stability in the Caribbean region.
He also emphasized Interpol’s vital role in providing background checks and profiles for individuals of interest, especially in a nation with a relatively small population and limited anonymity within its borders.
According to Benjamin, Antigua and Barbuda rely on Interpol’s resources to ensure certainty about newcomers from distant places.
Regarding the rising gun-related crimes in the country, Minister Benjamin voiced the government’s deep concern and commitment to taking decisive action to address this issue. He revealed that a high-level meeting was held with top police and military officials to discuss strategies for combating the escalating gun-related crimes and tracking the sources of illegal firearms that have entered the country.
The government minister also stressed the government’s determination to combat cybercrimes, referencing a recent attempted attack on APUA. He concluded by highlighting the importance of Interpol in maintaining national security and fighting transnational criminal activities.
Meanwhile, a Ceremony held at the John E. St Luce Conference Centre honored the current Commissioner of Police, Atlee Rodney, nine former commissioners, and twenty-five police officials.
The event was part of the celebrations marking Interpol’s 100th anniversary, attended by members of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda and senior government officials, including National Security Minister Steadroy Benjamin and Foreign Affairs Minister E.P. Chet Greene.
Foreign Affairs Minister Greene acknowledged today’s world’s interconnected and digital nature, emphasizing that Interpol’s mission to prevent and combat crime through international cooperation and innovation is essential to safeguarding citizens and preventing Antigua and Barbuda from being exploited by criminal elements.
As Antigua and Barbuda continues to operate globally, its membership in Interpol remains instrumental in ensuring its citizens’ safety and security while thwarting international criminal threats.
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