Mena FN posted an article on July 25, 2020, about CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) hosting a Virtual Security Conference. Below are some key highlights:
- The crisis presented by coronavirus (COVID-19) is unprecedented in Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
- In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, governments across the region imposed several measures, including social distancing, restrictions, border closures and suspension of non-essential services to prevent the spread of the pandemic.
- In an effort to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the security environment and the operations of law enforcement and security officials, as well as to identify best practices that can be applied to similar situations in the future.
- CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) will bring together a network of practitioners, security experts, government officials, academics, private sector representatives and civil society officials to discuss the challenges, impact and implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the security of our region.
- The virtual security conference will:
- Consider how COVID-19 is shaping the security landscape today and in the future; Identify how COVID-19 has impacted criminality and organized crime and the implications for the future;
- Facilitate the constructive exchange of information, best practices and lessons identified during the COVID-19 outbreak, so that states can strengthen their abilities to continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare and response to future pandemics;
- Assess and evaluate the threats and opportunities created by the COVID-19 pandemic; Explore how the pandemic impacted law enforcement and security officials roles, responsibilities and standard operating procedures, resilience and food security among other issues;
- Provide a consultative forum for discussion between leading practitioners and representatives from the government, regional and international agencies, academia, private sector and civil society
- This is especially important when speaking of border security and border movements post-pandemic.
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