Caribbean States Commit To Advancing Joint Investigation Teams Framework

 

Director of Strategic Services and International Affairs at the RSS, Rhea Reid-Bowen, stated that a regional JIT framework would significantly improve the speed and coordination of criminal investigations across the Caribbean. 

Caribbean states have committed to advancing the development of a regional framework for Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) following a two-day legal forum hosted in Barbados.

During the forum, which was hosted by the Office of the Attorney General of Barbados and sponsored by the Inter-American Development Bank and the Regional Security System (RSS), mechanisms for strengthening cross-border financial investigations and asset recovery were examined.

Director of Strategic Services and International Affairs at the RSS, Rhea Reid-Bowen, said one of the major outcomes of the forum was an agreement from participating countries to move the initiative forward.

“At the conclusion of the Legal Forum, there was a firm commitment from countries to advance the concept of Joint Investigation Teams in the Caribbean. It was agreed that the Model Framework agreement would be completed and forwarded to Attorneys General for review. Recommendations suggested that Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) would significantly benefit the Caribbean region and should be adapted from the Eurojust model to suit regional legal systems and operational realities. Furthermore, it was recommended that a pilot JIT involving at least two jurisdictions be established in the coming months.” Mrs. Reid-Bowen stated.

Addressing some of the key challenges discussed during the forum, she explained that while differences in legislative frameworks across Caribbean jurisdictions could affect cross-border investigations and asset recovery efforts, they were surmountable.

“The operationalisation of a JITs mechanism requires participating countries to agree on criteria for evidence admissibility, disclosure of information and the terms and conditions under which foreign LEAs participating in the JIT, will be deployed in the respective territories throughout the Caribbean. The model framework agreement must therefore incorporate standards that are flexible or broad enough to guide competent authorities in crafting a suitable agreement governing their specific JITs that would be established in the future,” Mrs. Reid-Bowen explained.

Emphasising that a regional JIT framework would significantly improve the speed and coordination of criminal investigations across the Caribbean, she noted that the forum agreed that the Concept Paper on JITs should be presented to national Cabinets for endorsement. It was further recommended that the proposed framework be  submitted to other regional organs, such as the CARICOM Council for National Security and Law Enforcement (CONSLE), to secure wider regional political support.

“A regional JIT framework would improve cooperation by allowing competent authorities to gather and exchange evidence directly without relying on traditional mutual legal assistance processes. It would also enhance intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and collaboration among prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement agencies across jurisdictions. Additionally, the framework would provide standardised procedures and agreements tailored to Caribbean legal systems, thereby reducing conflicts between parallel investigations, the RSS official opined.

Looking ahead, Mrs. Reid-Bowen said the RSS would also explore potential opportunities for collaboration with Eurojust and EL PACTO to support cross border investigations involving European and Latin American jurisdictions.

RSS

Popular posts from this blog

RSS Vacancy - Administrative Assistant

Image
  The Regional Security System (RSS) is pleased to announce an exciting opportunity for a highly organised and proactive individual to join our dynamic team as an Administrative Assistant . Applications, along with a recent Curriculum Vitaé, must be submitted to the Executive Director, RSS Headquarters , by emailing rsshq@rss.org.bb , by Monday, January 5, 2026. Interested persons may view the Terms of Reference for the post of Administrative Assistant, below. JOB DESCRIPTION – ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – GENERAL JOB TITLE: Administrative Assistant - General DEPARTMENT/UNIT: Administration ORGANISATION: Regional Security System Headquarters REPORTS TO: Administrative Officer MAIN SCOPE AND The Administrative Assistant General will be based SUMMARY: at the RSS Headquarters in Barbados. The main functions are to provide general office and administrative support services to the Administrative Staff and Staff Officers. ADMINISTRATIVE The Administrative Assistant Gener...
Read more

RSS Seeking Finance Officer and Project Manager For Maritime Project

Image
  The Regional Security System (RSS) is inviting applications from suitably qualified and highly motivated professionals to fill the positions of Finance Officer and Project Manager under its Maritime Project. The Finance Officer will provide strategic financial oversight and ensure compliance throughout the life of the project, while the Project Manager will be responsible for leading, coordinating, and overseeing the successful implementation of all project activities. Both positions are offered on a 24-month contractual basis. Interested applicants are asked to submit a detailed résumé and cover letter addressed to the Executive Director, Regional Security System, via email to rsshq@rss.org.bb , no later than Wednesday, March 18, 2026 . Applicants must include the relevant subject line: Finance Officer – RSS Maritime Project Application Project Manager – RSS Maritime Project Application To obtain further details regarding the Finance Officer vacanc...
Read more

RSS Vacancy - Public Relations/Communications Coordinator

Image
  The Regional Security System Headquarters is committed to advancing strategic initiatives that serve the interests of our member states and stakeholders. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Public Relations/Communications Coordinator to join our dynamic team and contribute to our mission through impactful communication. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for crafting and executing comprehensive communication strategies that elevate the Regional Security System’s brand reputation and foster meaningful engagement with internal and external stakeholders. You will play a central role in shaping public perceptions, cultivating media relationships, and ensuring that all messaging reflects our organisational values and mission to our member states. Interested candidates should submit a recent Curriculum Vitaé, along with a cover letter, addressed to the Executive Director, RSS Headquarters,  by emailing rsshq@rss.org.bb , no later than Monday, January 5, 2...
Read more