The 26th Interpol Regional Conference on the Americas discussed organized crime and evolving threats

INTERPOL President Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi speaks during the 26th INTERPOL Regional Conference on the Americas in Atlantis on September 11, 2024. Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Chief Reporter of the Tribune

[email protected]

MORE than two dozen law enforcement officials from North and South America and beyond gathered in Atlantis yesterday for high-level discussions on transnational organized crime and evolving threats, including artificial intelligence.

Delegates from 35 countries are attending Interpol’s 26th Regional Conference on the Americas, which runs through Friday, with the aim of strengthening partnerships and achieving common goals in the fight against crime.

This is the first time that the Bahamas has hosted the conference.

Key topics on the agenda include human trafficking, drug and arms trafficking, and cybercrime.

In his speech, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis stressed the importance of building partnerships to address growing security threats.

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

“By strengthening our cooperation through Interpol, we not only increase our ability to dismantle criminal networks, but we also protect the most vulnerable among us.”

He said the conference represents an exchange of ideas and an affirmation of their commitment to ensuring a safer and more secure future for their countries.

Interpol Secretary General Juergen Stock spoke of the “unprecedented” increase in transnational threats and global crises and the need to address them.

“A convergence driven by a never-ending thirst of criminal networks to expand their transcontinental reach and maximize their illicit proceeds,” he said.

“This is where Interpol plays a crucial role by giving police a common voice – for a safer, if more complex, world.”

Police Chief Clayton Fernander hoped the conference would help the police department improve its strategies and best practices.

“Our officers need to continue to be at the forefront, not only with technology, but with investigative skills and different policing initiatives. That’s what you’re going to continue to see as we move forward,” he said.