KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — The Caribbean Regional Drug Law Enforcement Training Centre (REDTRAC) yesterday launched an interactive and informative website, which provides information on the entity’s projects and various training programmes.

The website, which can be accessed at www.redtracgov.edu.jm went live at midnight.

Designed and developed by the Jamaica Information Service’s (JIS) Computer Services Department, it forms part of the centre’s legacy projects to mark its 21st anniversary this year.

At the unveiling ceremony at the Ministry of National Security’s Oxford Road offices in New Kingston, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dianne McIntosh, said the website will be used to publicise the work of the entity in the strengthening of law-enforcement capabilities.

She noted that REDTRAC has grown over the years and evolved into the Caribbean’s premier institution for training regional law-enforcement personnel to combat transnational organised crime.  Among the focus areas are drug and human trafficking, money laundering, and cybercrime.

“We have seen this institution fulfil its organisational objectives to increase cost-effectiveness in satisfying the needs of the countries in the region while strengthening national anti-narcotic law-enforcement capabilities in these countries,” she said.

McIntosh said the continuous strengthening of the programmes offered is paramount “as better law enforcement is built on a robust and ongoing training agenda”.  

In his remarks, REDTRAC’s Director Principal, Major George Benson, said the website will also be used as a tool to improve communication with members of the public.

The mission of REDTRAC is to develop and deliver training courses to meet the needs of law enforcement, and drug, border and financial control entities across the English-speaking Caribbean.

The entity, which  operates under the Ministry of National Security, offers training to police and military personnel; customs, immigration, port authority/security officers, as well as representatives of several other government agencies and the judiciary, on how to combat multinational crimes, such as drug and human trafficking, money laundering and cybercrime.

Other activities to mark REDTRAC’s year-long anniversary include a commemorative church service and brunch, a special banquet, and open day events. Most of the activities will take place in September.