Peace and prosperity are among the United States’ and Caribbean’s top priorities.
Peace and prosperity are among the United States’ and Caribbean’s top priorities. To achieve these goals, we must work together to promote regional security and combat illicit trafficking and other transnational criminal activity. Countering these problems requires a comprehensive regional approach. The Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, or CBSI, is a whole-of-government approach to citizen safety.
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U.S. - Caribbean Basic Security Partnership
Launched in 2009 by President Obama, CBSI has three basic objectives: substantially reduce illicit trafficking, increase public safety and security, and promote social justice.
Through CBSI, the United States is partnering with 12 members of the Caribbean Community, the Dominican Republic, and international community to promote citizen security, strengthen democratic institutions, protect human rights, and enhance opportunities for young people.
Speaking at the fourth annual U.S.-Caribbean Security Cooperation Dialogue, Deputy Secretary of State William Burns said the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative is a partnership of equals. “It is a partnership based on shared responsibility and mutual respect. It is a partnership based on shared approaches to shared challenges. And it is a partnership that is achieving results.”
There is still much work to be done to increase regional stability and economic growth.
“By pooling our resources and our knowledge, we are helping Caribbean states develop a stronger and more effective justice sector,” said Deputy Secretary Burns. “This has helped us prevent and reduce crime and violence, disrupt and dismantle organized gangs, and improve border security.”
Most importantly, we are paying special attention to the safety and security of our citizens, especially the young people. By offering job training, better educational opportunity and stronger social services, we help to prevent youth from getting caught up in criminal activity.
“We came together this year committed to building a more effective partnership,” said Deputy Secretary Burns. “I am confident that with continued political will, and sustained focus on implementation, our partnership will only grow stronger. And as it does, we can all be certain that we will be building a more peaceful and prosperous Caribbean Basin and contributing to a more peaceful and prosperous Western Hemisphere.”
