PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) — The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said its leaders joined regional defense and security leaders this week to discuss security challenges and regional cooperation at the 2024 Caribbean Nations Security Conference (CANSEC).

SOUTHCOM said on Friday that US Navy Admiral Alvin Holsey, Commander of SOUTHCOM, joined Air Vice Marshal Darryl Daniel, Chief of Staff of the Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force , to co-organize CANSEC.

Holsey also met with national leaders for a series of bilateral meetings and engagements, including the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley, SOUTHCOM said.

During the conference, SOUTHCOM said “Caribbean defense and security leaders exchanged ideas, experiences and perspectives on regional collaborative efforts to address the security challenges of the 21st century.”

“Our commonalities go beyond common ground,” Holsey said at the conference’s opening ceremony. “We are linked by a common history, culture, values ​​and economy. »

“We are committed to upholding established standards and universal values ​​such as respect for human rights and the rule of law,” he added. “Yet the threats we face continue to evolve. »

“Democratic governance is under attack from authoritarian and communist governments who, under the guise of investment, have come to the Western Hemisphere to extract capital, while defending the virtues of autocracy,” Holsey continued. “Their influence and presence has far-reaching consequences in all areas, including the maritime domain, where we are collectively committed to keeping the region’s waterways, including the Panama Canal, free, open and prosperous. »

SOUTHCOM said the theme of this year’s conference was “Strengthening Ties, Securing the Future: United for Regional Security.”

He said the conference included discussions on combating threats in multiple areas, as well as establishing a regional approach to responding to natural disasters and crises.

SOUTHCOM said Holsey joined defense leaders from 16 countries for two days of dialogue, briefings and bilateral meetings focused on regional cooperation and security.

“With so many leaders present today, the coming days provide us with a unique opportunity to affirm our commitment to collaboration, cooperation and partnership as we face our common threats and challenges,” he said. he declared.

“As allies and partners, it is imperative that we continue our efforts in all domains to increase readiness, build capacity and build the resilience needed to overcome persistent threats,” he added. “Change sometimes takes time, but commitment to change begins when we all decide to act. It is our collective responsibility to act.

SOUTHCOM is one of six geographically focused unified commands of the United States, responsible for U.S. military operations in the Caribbean and Central America.