In a keynote address that underscored the vital role of international collaboration in securing major sporting events, High Commissioner to Canada in Barbados, H.E. Lilian Chatterjee, praised regional efforts at the opening of a sub-regional technical meeting focused on Enhancing Security Coordination for Sporting Events in the Caribbean.
With the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup on the horizon, Chatterjee emphasized the imperative need for robust security measures to safeguard participants and spectators.Addressing a distinguished gathering of technical experts, High Commissioner Chatterjee lauded the significance of sports in nation-building and the fostering of national and regional identity. “Sporting events are not just competitions; they are platforms for economic growth, social cohesion, and intercultural understanding,” she remarked.With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup set to bring international attention to the Caribbean, Chatterjee stressed the necessity of heightened vigilance against threats from terrorist groups, criminal organizations, and natural disasters.
She called for intensified security measures and praised the collaborative efforts among the seven co-hosting OAS Member States. “Effective cooperation is our best defense,” she stated.Chatterjee commended the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism of the Organization of American States (OAS-CICTE) and the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) for their roles in bolstering regional preparedness.
She also acknowledged the Government of Canada’s longstanding support in funding comprehensive regional programs and national strategies aimed at safeguarding crowded spaces.Highlighting ongoing security initiatives, Chatterjee pointed to Exercise Tradewinds, a multi-dimensional military training exercise designed to enhance interoperability and response capabilities. She noted Canada’s active participation in these exercises, underscoring the importance of international collaboration in maintaining regional security.
“In our quest to ensure the safety of major sporting events, we must act as vigilant wicket keepers, safeguarding the integrity and security of these events,” Chatterjee declared, expressing optimism about the region’s collective efforts.As the Caribbean prepares to host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Chatterjee’s address served as a powerful reminder of the crucial role of international cooperation in securing major events and fostering a safer, more united region.