The head of the Regional Security System (RSS) has warned that criminal activity across the Caribbean is becoming increasingly organised and sophisticated, raising fresh concerns about regional security.
RSS Executive Director Rear Admiral Errington Shurland said criminal networks in the region were evolving rapidly and becoming more interconnected, according to reports carried by Barbados media.
He warned that crime in the Caribbean was becoming “more brazen, more connected and more dangerous”, as regional authorities confront growing challenges linked to transnational organised crime, firearms trafficking, cyber threats and maritime insecurity.
The concerns come amid broader regional discussions on strengthening security cooperation among Caribbean states through the RSS and CARICOM security agencies.
Regional officials have in recent months highlighted the need for greater intelligence sharing, stronger border protection systems and coordinated responses to emerging criminal threats.
At a recent RSS security chiefs meeting in Saint Lucia, law enforcement and defence officials from across the Caribbean, along with representatives from the United States, the United Kingdom and regional agencies, discussed strategies to confront evolving security risks.
Topics included maritime surveillance, organised crime, illicit finance, money laundering and cyber security, as Caribbean governments seek to respond to increasingly transnational criminal operations.
The RSS, headquartered in Barbados, serves as a regional security mechanism for several Eastern Caribbean states, supporting joint responses to security threats, natural disasters and law enforcement challenges.
Source: https://barbadostoday.bb/2026/05/11/rss-chief-caribbean-crime-trends-raise-security-concerns