Remarks by Prime Minister Philip Davis at the 26th Interpol Americas Regional Conference

Dear Members,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Good morning.

It is an honor to welcome you to The Bahamas for the 26th Interpol Americas Regional Conference. Our gathering here reflects the urgent need for a unified and strategic response to the growing complexity of transnational crime. From organized criminal networks to cyber threats, human trafficking, and illicit arms and drug trafficking, these challenges transcend borders and require solutions based on international cooperation.

Interpol is a cornerstone in fostering these high-level partnerships, enabling law enforcement agencies to work seamlessly together across jurisdictions. Through collaboration, intelligence sharing and joint operations, we strengthen our collective security framework. The strength of our partnerships lies not only in our shared commitment, but also in the integration of our resources, expertise and determination to protect our citizens and secure our region. It is this collective effort that will ensure we remain resilient in the face of evolving threats.

In today’s rapidly changing world, criminal networks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and adaptable, making it essential that our approach to combating these threats evolves in tandem. No country can meet these challenges alone. The need for a shared, coordinated response has never been greater.

Our collective success depends on our ability to work together, pooling our resources, intelligence, and best practices. This shared approach strengthens our ability to anticipate, prevent, and respond to criminal activity that threatens the security and stability of our countries. By aligning our strategies and deepening our cooperation, we not only enhance our national security efforts, but also contribute to the overall security of the region.

The Bahamas recognizes the importance of this collaboration. We have invested in advanced technology, strengthened our legal framework, and improved our law enforcement capabilities. However, these efforts are only as strong as the partnerships we build with our international counterparts. Our shared commitment to protecting our societies is what makes this conference and our continued collaboration so essential.

While we often focus on the technical aspects of crime prevention (information sharing, law enforcement strategies and legal frameworks), it is essential that we never lose sight of the human cost. Behind every statistic lies the reality of individuals and families whose lives are disrupted or destroyed by the impact of crime. Whether it is human trafficking, drug trafficking or violent crime, the human toll is enormous, particularly in vulnerable communities.

In the Caribbean and Latin America, we have seen first-hand how organized crime infiltrates our societies, exploits economic vulnerabilities, and undermines social cohesion. The illicit activities we are dealing with not only undermine our economies, but also threaten the fabric of our communities. This makes it all the more important that we address not only the symptoms of crime, but also the root causes that allow these networks to flourish.

By strengthening our cooperation through Interpol, we will not only increase our ability to dismantle criminal networks, but also to protect the most vulnerable among us. Our shared commitment must extend beyond law enforcement; it must also focus on reducing the socio-economic conditions that make our citizens vulnerable to criminal exploitation. Addressing this human impact is essential to ensuring continued security and stability in our region.

As we reflect on the discussions and collaborations of this conference, it is clear that the strength of our relationship has never been more important. The challenges we face are dynamic, but so are the opportunities to deepen our ties and enhance our collective security. This conference represents not only an exchange of ideas, but also a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to a safer and more secure future for our countries.

Looking ahead, it is vital that we build on the progress made here. Our cooperation through Interpol must remain proactive, adaptive and resilient. By strengthening our partnerships and continually developing our strategies, we will be better equipped to anticipate and respond to emerging threats.

In closing, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Interpol for its leadership and for facilitating these crucial conversations. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to every delegate here for your continued dedication to the safety and security of our region. The outcomes of this conference will resonate far beyond these walls and shape the future of our collective efforts in the fight against transnational crime.

Before we close, I invite you to experience why “it’s better in the Bahamas.” Take some time to enjoy our beautiful sun, sand and sea and discover the richness of Bahamian hospitality and culture.

Thank you.

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