The Treaty of San José is extremely significant in today’s world as the Caribbean Region continues to face the ever-increasing threat of illicit arms and drug trafficking due to its porous borders.

This was the view of the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, Acting Prime Minster and the Minister of National Security, St. Kitts and Nevis, who was at the time speaking at the opening ceremony of the Consultative Workshop of the Treaty of San José. The Workshop was held from 19 – 20 August 2025, in St. Kitts and Nevis and was a collaborative effort between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) and the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis. It was funded by the United States’ (US) Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

The objective of the Workshop was to bring together key stakeholders in the maritime domain and government representatives to deliberate on key areas of the Treaty and the necessary steps toward its ratification and integration into domestic law, as well as to engage in Tabletops exercises to improve maritime enforcement operations in the Region.

Dr. Hanley continued: “Such illicit activities further threaten the peace and security of the Region. This Workshop and Tabletop exercise are clear evidence of a regional approach to problem solving. Key stakeholders will be meeting to chart the way forward as the government prepares to sign the instrument of accession. We note that the Treaty is not about relinquishing national sovereignty but rather about protecting it”.

He stated that as St. Kitts and Nevis and the rest of the Caribbean Region strive to create sustainable small island states, the issue of border security remains high on the development agenda. He further explained that the Treaty forms part of a wider Caribbean Maritime Security Strategy which seeks to address not only trafficking and smuggling of illicit products but also human trafficking and the pilfering and polluting of our marine resources.

“The Region’s Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) are vast in size and resources and must be protected as well. There are instances where our capacity to fully protect our maritime space is challenged. Crime has evolved into a transnational phenomenon. Hence, the need for greater cooperation and collaboration between nations. Therefore, the support of the INL is greatly appreciated”, Dr. Hanley added.

Emphasising the importance of the Treaty, he said that it will strengthen the Federation’s ability to confront organised trafficking networks operating in Caribbean waters and enhance legal and operational frameworks for collective enforcement among partner states.

Ms. Nadine Bushell, Assistant Director – Projects, CARICOM IMPACS, noted that by hosting this Consultative Workshop, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis was demonstrating its steadfast commitment to advancing regional cooperation in maritime security.

Echoing Dr. Hanley’s sentiments, she said: “The Region has a Caribbean Maritime Security Strategy, which reminds us that the seas are not only a source of opportunity, but also an area of vulnerability. Our ocean space sustains our economies through tourism, trade, and fisheries, yet it also faces serious threats from illicit trafficking, illegal fishing, environmental crimes and climate-induced risks”.