Suriname has positioned itself at the forefront of regional security coordination following a high-level consultation between President Jennifer Simons and CARICOM IMPACS Executive Director Lieutenant Colonel Michael Jones. The meeting, held on Friday, established Suriname’s strategic role in addressing transnational security challenges during its upcoming presidency of the Council for National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE) in 2026.
The discussions, attended by Carmen van Dijk, Deputy Director of Security Policy at Suriname’s Directorate of National Security, focused on developing comprehensive responses to organized crime, illegal migration, and firearms trafficking. Lieutenant Colonel Jones emphasized the necessity of collaborative approaches, stating: ‘The security challenges confronting our region demand joint solutions and efficient utilization of limited resources.’
Technical cooperation formed a significant component of the dialogue, with commitments to enhance Suriname’s capabilities through specialized training programs and material support from CARICOM IMPACS. Particular attention was given to the Advanced Passenger Information System, which Jones identified as critical for improving border security through strengthened legislation and expanded data collection mechanisms.
A landmark achievement discussed was the recent implementation of a digital firearms and ammunition management system, enabling comprehensive tracking from registration to destruction. This technological advancement is expected to significantly improve monitoring of illegal weapon flows throughout the Caribbean community.
The meeting concluded with preparations for CARICOM IMPACS’ 20th anniversary celebrations, including the announcement that Suriname will host a physical convening of the CONSLE in November 2026. This gathering will assess progress on regional security initiatives and establish future priorities for collective action.