TOP security officials from across the region yesterday vowed to do all in their powers to strengthen security across the Caribbean, indicating that they are fully aware of the threats and dangers posed by internal and external forces.

They were speaking at Wednesday’s official opening of the annual Caribbean Nations Security Conference (CANSEC) that is being hosted at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston.

The conference, which has in attendance senior defence and security chiefs, held discussions on common security concerns, while sharing their experiences and ideas. The conference ends today.

Experts said Cuba’s participation for he first time in the regional conference, brought the Spanish-speaking country more sharply into the security picture and collaborative efforts in the regional fight against drugs trafficking and possible terrorist threats.

Jamaica’s Security Minister Peter Bunting, speaking at the opening ceremony, said the turnout of regional officials at he event was a strong indicator of the intentions of individual states to make the region a safer place.

“Our vulnerability as a region of small states [makes it important for us to] place even greater value on regional security,” said Bunting.

“The Government and people of Jamaica are fully committed on strengthening our regional and international security and fully supports initiatives like CANSEC that are essential to eliminating these problems,” said Bunting.

“Jamaica is especially pleased to facilitate the historic participation of Cuba to CANSEC for the first time and look forward to broadening of the discussions,” said Bunting.

Bunting said he was also looking forward to robust solutions -oriented discussions on the agenda items on emerging threats and regional efforts to tackle this and other problems.

The theme for CANSEC XIV is “Strengthening Regional Capacity and Fostering Cooperation to Counter Regional Threats” and will involve participation by senior defence and security officials and representatives from allies outside of the region, as well as from regional and hemispheric security institutions.