Grenada assumes Chair of CICTE

WASHINGTON DC, March 17, 2011 - Grenada on Thursday assumed the Chair of the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) at its Eleventh Regular Session at the Hall of the Americas at the Organisation of American States (OAS).

Foreign Affairs Minister Karl Hood, who accepted the Chairmanship on Grenada’ behalf, is hoping that all Member States would adopt a unified, adamant, unequivocal and resounding declaration of the renewed commitment of the OAS membership in fighting terrorism and enhancing cooperation and capacities to do so.

“Your spontaneous welcome of the central theme proposed by my country for this the Eleventh Session of CICTE, speaks very clearly to the continuing and urgent need for us all to remain vigilant in the face of somber reality that the scourge of terrorism has become a constant threat to the security of our citizens and to the peaceful existence of our nations,” Hood said.

He said that there has been impressive global cooperation over the last decade, and OAS Member States, especially through CICTE, have been leaders in meeting the transnational threat of terrorism by working as partners to prevent attacks, disrupt terrorist operations and protect our hemisphere from terrorism.

“Bolstering our border controls, financial controls, critical infrastructures, and legislative frameworks is a constant imperative for achieving a sound front against terrorism,” he said. “This must be matched with simultaneous strategies and mechanisms that facilitate the secure exchange of information, the sharing and implementation of best practices, and the development of innovative deliverables.”

The Grenadian Minister also acknowledged the leadership of the CICTE in the past year offered by the Bahamas.

“We commend very specially the Minister for National Security, the Honorable Tommy Turnquest, on the unwavering direction which his Government gave to the Committee’s work since March 2010, with particular focus on the importance of private-public partnerships in the fight against terrorism.”

For his part, the outgoing Chair of CICTE and Minister of National Security of the Bahamas, Orville Turnquest, thanked the support and encouragement received from the OAS Member States in “assisting to carry out the mandate during our tenure as Chair.”

From left to right:
Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri, Chair of the United Nations Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee
Karl I. J. Hood, Chair of the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, the Environment and Export Development of Grenada
Daniela Westphal, CICTE Secretariat
Credit: Juan Manuel Herrera/OAS