Raising the standard for regional security from the ground up, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), in partnership with the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), officially opened the hybrid Effective Leadership and Supervision Course for Law Enforcement Officers on 26 October 2026.

Connecting corporals, sergeants and inspectors from across Member States and Associate Members, both physically and virtually through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI-Connect) regional Learning Management System (LMS), the intensive five-day training programme equips frontline supervisors with the tools to drive ethical policing, enhance accountability and rebuild public trust at the critical juncture where operational strategy meets daily policing. Funding for this initiative was provided by the Government of the United States of America (US).

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Earl Harris, Assistant Director-Corporate Services, CARICOM IMPACS, explained that CARICOM IMPACS was established to give the Region a shared architecture for crime and security. He noted that training and capacity building sit at the heart of that mandate, emphasising that while equipment, legislation and information systems matter, they are only as effective as the officers who lead and supervise those using them.

“You were selected because your organisations see in you the leaders they need, not only for today, but for the years ahead. The true measure of this week is not your certificate, but the tangible changes made in your station when you return to your unit and your team”, Mr. Harris added.

Ms. Hannah Katwaroo, Project Director, PADF, highlighted PADF's 60-year history as an affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS) working towards safer, fairer and more inclusive societies. She said that the week-long training course centres on its most vital pillar i.e. people, focusing specifically on sharpening the leadership and supervisory skills of those in law enforcement who turn policy into practice. She also expressed gratitude to the US Government specifically the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) via the B-PRO programme and CARICOM IMPACS for enabling regional collaboration through the CBSI-Connect platform.

"The value of this week will show up long after you leave this room. It will show up in how you coach your teams, how you handle the tough calls, how you bring along the younger officers who look to you and how you hold the line on the standards your service expects", Ms. Katwaroo stated.

Ms. Sherma Maynard-Wilson, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Trinidad and Tobago (TT), highlighted that supervisory responsibilities in law enforcement are immense, noting that when operational pressure builds, a supervisor's reaction shapes the behaviour of the entire team. She stressed that true leadership goes beyond rank, requiring clear communication, sound decision-making and an unwavering commitment to professional standards and ethical culture, especially during difficult and high-stress situations.

“When officers report for duty, they look to their supervisors for direction. When something goes wrong, they look to you for a decision. And when the pressure builds, the way you respond will determine how the rest of the team react. And we do not want reaction, we want response”, Ms. Maynard-Wilson reiterated.

Dr. Simone Titus, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Homeland Security (TT), pointed out that modern policing demands far more than operational knowledge and technical skills, requiring a steadfast commitment to professional leadership, ethical grounding and institutional accountability.

Highlighting five interconnected priorities, including professional leadership, accountability, teamwork, organisational learning and public confidence, she underscored that strong supervisory practices are essential to reducing crime, strengthening public trust, and safeguarding national and regional security.

“Our strategic vision must therefore be to build police services that are professionally led, effectively supervised, ethically grounded, accountable and trusted by the communities they serve”, Dr. Titus urged.