To what extent can Colombia enhance our national security and foreign relations interests, whilst carving a diplomatic expansion in the English speaking Caribbean?
Deemed to be an important ally of the United States, Colombia is seeking to forge, establish, promote and enhance its security and foreign relations endeavours in the Caribbean. Trinidad and Tobago, one of the leading Caricom nations, is viewed as a sound, stable and developing nation with whom the government of Colombia can expand its bilateral relations.
Viewed within this context, it should be noted that T&T has much to gain and learn, both from the perspectives of national security and foreign affairs.
In a Guardian report of April 19, 2012, Colombian Ambassador, His Excellency, Alfredo Riascos, outlined several significant areas which can be mutually beneficial to Trinidad and Tobago.
Such areas include national security, policing, border security and defense co-operation, trade and investments, potential direct flights to Bogota, medical tourism, agricultural exchanges and sporting, cultural and language education opportunities. But the question remains, how far have we progressed?
Trinidad and Tobago can stand to gain much from our diplomatic relations with Colombia. Perhaps, the time may come when the Government of Trinidad and Tobago shall consider the establishment of an Embassy in Bogota, Colombia. Much credit must be given to both governments for the establishment of the Colombian Embassy in Port-of-Spain.
Can Colombia effectively and meaningfully aid Trinidad and Tobago? Does our Government possess the political will to seriously complement our national security endeavours against the forces and scourge of transnational organised crimes? These are the questions that remain unanswered.
Police co-operation
As far back as March 2006, an agreement was signed between the former minister of National Security, Martin Joseph and Camilo Oscar Bernal, Colombia's Minister of National Defense. This agreement was to foster and promote police co-operation between these two countries in numerous areas. It is my understanding that the Colombian government is prepared and willing to train our law enforcement and defense forces.
It would be a rewarding and advantageous opportunity for our officers to be trained in Colombia, as well as understanding the culture and language, and gaining valuable intelligence into the modus operandi of transnational organised crimes.
Colombia's experience
This is a nation that has had a history of political upheavals, violence, guerrilla uprising, (FARC) terrorism and the very epicentre of the once "narco-democracy," but has with the passage of time been able to manage, control and return the country to a politically stable and progressive nation.
Apart from these issues, a very careful investigation and analysis of Colombia would reveal a warm, hospitable people, with a desire to expand their investment and trading ties to the Caribbean, especially with Trinidad and Tobago.
Interestingly, the Government of Colombia, via their Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Defense and the Colombian National Police designed an international co-operation strategy for integral security that seeks to increase the effectiveness of the struggle against transnational organised crime.
Colombia is no stranger to the drug world, organised transnational crime and terrorism, the illegal weapons trafficking, ammunition and explosives, the use and manufacture of anti-personnel mines. All of these issues are challenges to security, governance, democracy, development and public health in States.
The consequences today are different than ever before. Colombia's national security strategy is designed to help us in these areas with the tools of co-operation, training, technical and legal assistance. By strengthening the institutional capacities of our law enforcement systems, Trinidad and Tobago can effectively contribute to hemispheric security.
For a very long time in this country, the public could not ascertain how and when illegal drugs, guns and human trafficking and illegal migrants enter the country. Colombian police and other intelligence can effectively feed our law enforcement and intelligence agencies with this level of information.
One would suppose that the Government is very serious about transnational organised crimes and what constitutes the true meaning and intent of national security. Colombia is well poised to assist us in the use of technical air intelligence, port and airport control, dismantling of organisations, with asset laundering and assert forfeiture, and the issue of new technologies.
The Colombian navy can also assist us with training co-operation on the law of the sea with regards to illicit drug trafficking in the region. There is a reason why it is called illicit drug trafficking, however and in whatever form it is transported, it is deemed internationally unlawful.
Recently, Brigadier Maharaj pointed out that he had no evidence that submarines are transporting drugs to Trinidad and Tobago. While that is the Brigadier's information, that does not erase the fact that it has not occurred before nor that will it not.
However, reliable international security intelligence and that of the US, Britain and from the Colombian governments do reveal that sophisticated submarines designed in South America are transporting illegal drugs to their markets in different disguises.
In this vein, as a national security spokesman, it is very critical for Brigadier Maharaj to do his intelligence homework well and be abreast of current intelligence occurrences before speaking on such a vital issue as the international organised criminal drug complex.
In the face of public interest, this country is yet to understand clearly how illegal guns and drugs enter, and who facilitates and protects for the blessings of the almighty dollar. In the international world of transnational organised crime, it may be troublesome to consider "official corruption and involvement" in this trade.
As a country, we have yet to understand the concept of national security and transnational organised crimes. Colombia is willing and ready to help us in the fight against transnational organised crimes.