Regional Security System

The Regional Security System is seeking a suitably qualified candidate, with the requisite skills and experience for the position of Deputy Executive Director. Details of the responsibilities and requirements are detailed here >>> https://lnkd.in/epyfjPAz.

Season's Greetings from the management and staff of the Regional Security System Headquarters. As we reflect on 2024, we extend sincere gratitude to all those with whom we have worked to strengthen the security of our communities and build safer futures for the citizens of our Member States. We wish you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous, secure New Year ahead!

The popularly utilised WhatsApp application has recently been the target of numerous nefarious activities which have severely impacted persons who rely on the platform for communication. The alarming trend, which has emerged across the region, has not gone unnoticed by officials of the Regional Security System (RSS) Headquarters, who are working diligently to ensure that citizens of its Member States do not fall victim to the emerging scam. In a statement issued by the RSS’ Asset Recovery Unit (ARU), all WhatsApp users are urged to remain vigiliant and exercise caution when utilising the communication platform. It pointed out that over the past few weeks, unsuspecting victims have received WhatsApp messages from unknown numbers, or numbers purporting to be a WhatsApp support representative, requesting a code received via SMS be sent to the contacting number. Users are made to believe that the code is required to verify their WhatsApp account. Once this is done, the hackers gain access and control of the victim’s account. The statement explained that the hackers use the target's number to send messages to persons in their contact list, requesting money be sent to them via a money remitter. They claim to be stranded overseas and in need of funds to pay for a hotel or to buy an airline ticket. Furthermore, the offenders have also been sending links or codes to these contacts, as a means of soliciting more victims. While several persons have been inconvenienced, officials at the RSS ARU have given the assurance that there are steps which persons can take to significantly reduce the risk of falling prey to these criminal actors. Users should: • Follow the recommended steps to verify requests; • Protect your personal information; • Be cautious with verification codes; • Report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement agencies; • Enable two-factor authentication on WhatsApp. Members of the public are encouraged to stay abreast of this trend, and cooperate with authorities, in an effort to combat the issue and prevent these malicious activities from causing further harm. #whatsapp #scamalert

Executive Director of the Regional Security System (RSS), Rear Admiral Errington Shurland, and Director of Operations and Training, Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Forde, participated in the Caribbean Nations Security Conference (CANSEC) 2024 from December 10-12, under the theme "Strengthening Bonds, Securing Futures: United for Regional Security." CANSEC 2024 was jointly hosted by Chief of Defence Staff, Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, Air Vice Marshall Darryl Daniel, and Commander of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), Admiral Alvin Holsey. It featured roundtable discussions on countering multi-domain threats with advanced technologies and enhancing regional disaster response mechanisms. In his presentation during the HADR discussion, RADM Shurland emphasised the need for greater collaboration within the region and for the Caribbean Disaster Management Agency to be included in the process. RADM Shurland had bilateral discussions with representatives from the Inter American Defence Board, Suriname and SOUTHCOM focusing on transnational security threats, disaster response, and opportunities for further collaboration. At the conclusion of discussions, Admiral Holsey and Rear Admiral Shurland signed the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). The ACSA is a formal logistics mechanism that allows the U.S. Department of Defence to exchange logistic support, supplies, and services directly between eligible countries and international organisations. #cansec2024 #regionalsecurity

UK Foreign Secretary, Right Honourable David Lammy, paid a visit to the Regional Security System Headquarters yesterday. The Foreign Secretary, accompanied by Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Baroness Chapman; British High Commissioner, Scott Furddesonn-Wood; Deputy High Commissioner, Charley Williams, and other officials, were greeted by Deputy Executive Director of the RSS, Graham Archer. During the brief meeting, Mr. Archer gave an overview of the RSS, highlighting its history, functions and programmes. His presentation was supported by other members of the RSS team who gave further details on their respective departments. The Foreign Secretary was also given a tour of the RSS’ Fusion Center before his departure.

Guyana has won the prestigious Best Regional AML/CFT Case Award (BREMOLT) at the 59th Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) Plenary and Working Group Meetings, which is being held in Montego Bay, Jamaica. https://lnkd.in/ePitxQcQ

To our brothers and sisters in Barbados, a happy Independence Day! #Independenceday #Barbados #barbadosturns58

Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) President and Chair Reta Jo Lewis signed two significant memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with the governments of Barbados and Saint Kitts and Nevis, securing a total of up to $800 million in potential financing to support financing in cybersecurity, renewable energy, and critical areas for the region’s long-term growth and sustainability. Read more at https://lnkd.in/eZDjsxNh

In a significant move towards enhancing the capabilities of law enforcement officers in Guyana, a three-day workshop focused on Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) was recently conducted by the Regional Security System (RSS) in collaboration with key local agencies, including the Guyana Police Force's Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), and the Director of Public Prosecutions Chamber (DPP). The workshop, spearheaded by RSS Legal Officer, Ms. Chanika Carrington, combined both practical and theoretical training, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of AML/CFT frameworks. Ms. Chanika Carrington along with three other experts from the RSS -- namely Dalia Jules, Javed Rebeiro and Richmark Deane, specialising in Digital Forensics, Terrorist Financing, Net Worth Analysis, Cash Seizure and Financial Analysis, provided insights into advanced techniques for detecting and preventing financial crimes. Their expertise was instrumental in equipping the participants with the necessary skills to address complex issues related to cash seizures and serious financial offences. Participants were also trained on methodologies for calculating net worth, which is crucial for identifying potential financial crimes as well as to the processes that facilitate international collaboration in tackling financial crimes. The primary aim of this capacity-building workshop was to enhance local law enforcement's ability to combat financial crimes effectively and to strengthen the overall integrity of the financial system. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve SOCU's and other integral agencies compliance with international standards and to strengthen their defenses and cooperation against money laundering and terrorism financing. According to the Legal Officer, Ms. Chanika Carrington, as such workshops continue, they play a vital role in fostering a more robust legal and operational environment for tackling these pressing financial issues. In an invited comment, Head of the Special Organized Crime Unit, Assistant Commissioner Fazil Karimbaksh, who was at the conclusion of the workshop today at the Officers' Training Centre, noted the need for the timely training in the area, since his department has been undertaking several high profile investigations. (𝑹𝒆𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑪𝑪𝑼'𝒔 𝑪𝒐𝒓𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝑨𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒓𝒂 𝑹𝒂𝒋𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒊)

Today we celebrate the strength, resilience and contribution of men, not only in our Member States, but around the world. Happy International Men's Day! #internationalmensday #strengththroughunity