🔒 Cayman's National Security Council discusses new anti-gang strategy

The National Security Council (NSC) of the Cayman Islands convened in a closed-door meeting in December to address the recent rise in gang-related crime. The Strategic Reform Implementation Unit presented a proposed Anti-Gang Strategy and Plan during the meeting. The strategy, which has been discussed for several years but never implemented, aims to have a significant impact on community risk areas. The multi-phased plan includes measures for prevention, intervention, enforcement, and rehabilitation, and will involve key agencies such as the RCIPS, HM Cayman Islands Prison Service, the Department of Community Rehabilitation, and the education ministry. 🚔

The NSC, which includes members from the government, opposition, civil society, and senior civil servants, was established in 2010 to advise the governor on matters of crime and security. Regular meetings were not held until 2019, under Martyn Roper, and it was only in 2021 that summaries of the meetings began to be released to the public. During the December meeting, members were updated on the previous year's crime statistics and ongoing efforts to combat serious crimes, including those involving firearms and drugs. The director of customs and border control also provided updates on illegal migration patterns, border security concerns, and joint operations with the RCIPS. 📊