Our
MIssion
“To ensure the stability and well-being of Member States through mutual cooperation, in order to maximise regional security in preserving the social and economic development of our people”
Who we are
Background
The Regional Security System (RSS) was created out of a need for a collective response to security threats, which were impacting on the stability of the region in the early 1970,s and 1980’s. In October 1982, four members of the Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States, namely, Antigua & 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. The MOU was updated in 1992 and the RSS acquired juridical status in March 1996 by way of the Treaty which was signed in St. Georges, Grenada.
The memorandum made provisions for a fast-moving non-bureaucratic organization which could react to the security needs of Member States if requested. This was first demonstrated in October 1983 when, together with the military forces of the United States of America and Jamaica, the RSS deployed troops to Grenada to restore democracy after a period of political upheaval. This intervention would have been impossible without the mutual cooperation and understanding which is characteristic of the Regional Security System response mechanism found in the Memorandum of Understanding and later on in the Treaty Establishing the RSS. The Regional Security System is a “hybrid” organisation, in that its security forces comprise both military and police personnel who remain under the command of their respective Heads.
Our Motto
“STRENGTH THROUGH UNITY”.
Collateral Responsibilities
Traditionally, the RSS was concerned with traditional security threats of an operational nature namely illicit drugs and arms trafficking and internal security. However, given the dynamism within the international security environment, the Executive Director guided by the provisions in the Treaty Establishing the RSS (1996), has embraced the need to have a clear understanding of other non-traditional criminogenic environments which undoubtedly affect the national security of Member States. This has led to the establishment of new departments at the RSS Headquarters to carry out research on areas affecting national security, as well as analysing the crime patterns and trends, in order to establish evidence-based programmes to assist Member States in coping with the dynamics of national development.
Our Vision
To preserve the peace and stability of the region by delivering world-class, professional, effective and efficient services through cooperative engagement with partner nations, the security sector and the peoples of the region.
Our Values
- Commitment to the vision statement
- Achievement to professionalism and integrity in the delivery of services to the Member States
- Commitment to achieving high-quality results showing initiative and innovation
REGIONAL SECURITY SYSTEM
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
Principal Strategic Priority
The advisory role which RSS proposes to take will encompass the areas of border security, strengthening security institutions, improving internal security and reducing the impact of environmental and man-made disasters. It is believed that as a result of the expansionary process, RSS can make greater and more valuable contributions to the regional and international security.
Goals and Key Strategies
Strategic Objectives:
- Expanding the role of the RSS
- Strengthen integrity of security institutions
- Increase RSS contribution to the regional and international security
- Improving Border Security
- Reduction of violent crime and the identification and subsequent dismantling of organized criminal networks
- Improve response and level of pro-activity to natural and man-made disasters
- Develop and implement RSS Public Relations Strategy
REGIONAL SECURITY SYSTEM
core services
MISSION
To ensure the stability and well-being of Member States through mutual cooperation, in order to maximize regional security in preserving the social and economic development of our people.
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Response
Immediate and threat appropriate response to all situations. -
Training, Exercises & Operations
Delivering programmes to increase security awareness and to reduce the opportunity for, and the incidence and impact of, threats to the safety and security of the region. -
Research & Intelligence
Conducting high-quality comprehensive and objective research as well as providing intelligence and Trend Analysis in a timely manner to support effective decision-making.
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Security Sector Collaboration
Partnering with the RSS security Sector to identify security priorities to jointly develop responses and to strengthen relationships with security institutions. -
Advisory Capacity
Providing advice on matters relating to national and regional security. -
Technical & Administrative Support
Facilitating the dissemination of information and technical and administrative support to Member States.