PM TAKES CHAIRMANSHIP OF RSS

St. George, May 13, 2008 --  Prime Minister, Dr the Right Hon. Keith Mitchell has taken up the chairmanship of the Regional Security System (RSS).

In this regard, a delegation of top RSS officials, led by Regional Security Coordinator Grantley Watson, came to Grenada on Friday to meet with the Prime Minister.  The Prime Minister and the RSS officials discussed relevant issues dealing with the functioning of the RSS and improving its capability within the region.  The areas discussed included drug interdiction, greater cooperation between RSS states on matters related to intelligence, as well as the RSS’ role in assisting member states during times of crisis, and natural disasters and funding.  

Prime Minister Mitchell underscored the importance of the RSS and said that “the Regional Security System continues to be at the forefront of maintaining peace and stability in the Caribbean.  This peace and stability is a key pillar of our democratic institutions. We in Grenada were particularly grateful to the RSS in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan. I am very pleased to take the chairmanship of the RSS and I will work with the RSS commanders to ensure that the mandate of the RSS is fulfilled. I am also pleased at the outcome of our meeting, and will follow up on the issues which we have discussed.

The Regional Security System was created out of a need for collective response to security threats, which were impacting on the stability of the region in the late 70’s and early 80’s.  In October 1982 four members of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, namely Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Barbados to provide for “mutual assistance on request.”  St. Kitts and Nevis joined after gaining independence in September 1983, and Grenada in January 1985.