KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Pearnel Charles Jr will be representing the Government on global security issues namely: cybercrime, human trafficking and conventional weapons at the 8th High Level Forum on the Korea-Caribbean Partnership in Seoul, Korea from October 31- November 2.

The minister along with Marsh Coore Lobban, Director of Caribbean and Americas Department at the foreign ministry will be sharing with international partners, Jamaica’s experiences and perspectives, including practical recommendations and challenges regarding these security issues.

According to the ministry, prior to Charles’ departure, he said: “The stark reality remains that improved access to the internet provides unscrupulous persons, criminals and hackers with greater prospect to exploit a wider cross-section of our people. It is therefore imperative that countries across the globe come together, as in this case of South Korea and the Caribbean, to form global alliances as we seek to work together assiduously to address these gaps and challenges.”

In making reference to Human Trafficking, Charles said he plans to reiterate the Government’s call to action and the steps taken to increase awareness of the different practices employed by traffickers, their profiles and elements of the crime, to give greater protection to our most vulnerable population.

On the issue of national security Charles noted that: “Jamaica continues to view breaches in national and regional security as existential threats to our right to peace and development. We attach great importance to the inextricable link between partnerships and development, underpinned by the 17 targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

“In this connection, Jamaica remains ready to engage and strengthen relations with key international partners, including South Korea, to address those security challenges which are inimical to the achievement of the SDG.”

The state minister is expected to give his address under the theme: “Korea –Caribbean Partnership for Peace and Security”.