November 8, 2026
Canada invests CAD$100M into strengthening capacity of Caribbean countries including Jamaica
Written byClement Reid
Canada is investing CAD$110 million into strengthening the capacity of Caribbean countries, including Jamaica, to combat transnational organised crime and address emerging security threats.
High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica, His Excellency Mark Berman, said the investment, delivered through Canada’s Anti-crime Capacity Building Programme, underscores Canada’s commitment to regional security.
Mr. Berman was speaking at the recent final planning conference for exercise event horizon at the Jamaica Defence Force Caribbean Military Academy.
He noted that trans-national organised crime continues to pose significant challenges across the region, with criminal networks exploiting maritime and air routes to facilitate the trafficking of drugs, firearms and persons, as well as cyber-crime and other illicit activities.
These threats, he said, undermine security and democratic resilience, while harming legitimate trade and limiting economic opportunities for citizens and communities.
The high commissioner emphasized that addressing these challenges requires coordinated regional responses, supported by strong partnerships and investments in the capabilities of national institutions.
Mr. Berman informed that Canada also supports anti-crime capacity building initiatives in other countries, including Costa Rica and Guatemala, recognising that criminal networks operate across borders and require collaborative approaches to combat them.
