23rd Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum – Greetings

Honorable Andrew M. Holness expressed gratitude to the organizers for extending an invitation and underscored the significance of forums that facilitate the convergence of parliamentarians to enhance their comprehension of global security challenges. He acknowledged that while threats such as terrorism are universally acknowledged, others, such as adversarial investments, are less comprehended yet equally capable of eroding freedom, democracy, and human rights. Drawing from the vantage point of a small state like Jamaica, he emphasized the imperative for heightened awareness of evolving risks. Holness highlighted the escalating influence of transnational gangs, which are expanding their activities beyond street crime into cyber operations, resource control, and even attempts to destabilize nations, citing Haiti as a pertinent example. He concluded by emphasizing the value of international collaboration and extended an invitation to participants in Jamaica to further engage in discussions regarding security challenges impacting small islands and developing nations.