Terrorism is a growing threat to Jamaica, especially as the Caribbean prepares to host the third largest sporting event on the global calendar, the Cricket World Cup, says Minister of National Security, Dr. Peter Phillips.

"The security challenges faced in organising this event are tremendous, particularly given the ever present threat of terrorism which faces the entire world community," Dr. Phillips told the 7th conference of Defence Ministers of the Americas held in Managua, Nicaragua yesterday.

Coordinating efforts

"We are coordinating efforts among ourselves in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), as well as with international partners," he told the gathering which included security experts.

Passenger Info System

Outlining some of the security measures, Dr. Phillips disclosed that an Advanced Passenger Information System for international carriers, both air and sea, would be instituted to allow passengers to be screened prior to their arrival at any country in the region during the cricket tournament, due to start next March.

He said other measures would feature an intelligence-sharing platform among CARICOM states and with international partners, as well as joint operational command during the games, by CARICOM forces and the supporting international community.