Canada is committing C$110 million to help Caribbean countries combat transnational organized crime. The funding, delivered through Global Affairs Canada’s Anti-Crime Capacity-Building Program (ACCBP), was highlighted by Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica Mark Berman during a regional security planning meeting.
Speaking at the final planning conference for Exercise Event Horizon 2027, held at the Jamaica Defence Force’s Caribbean Military Academy on October 26 and 27, Berman said Jamaica is the program’s largest Caribbean recipient. He described the investment as part of Canada’s continuing partnership with the region.
Criminal groups exploit maritime and air routes to move drugs, firearms and people across borders while cybercrime and other illegal activities add to the challenge. Berman said these operations threaten public safety and democratic stability, while harming lawful trade and limiting economic opportunities.
The funding aims to strengthen national institutions. Canada’s ACCBP supports specialist training, equipment, technical advice and legal assistance. Its priorities include drug trafficking, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, money laundering, corruption and cybercrime.
Regional cooperation is vital because criminal networks operate across national borders. Canada also supports anti-crime capacity-building initiatives in Costa Rica and Guatemala, reflecting the need for information-sharing and coordinated action between countries. This regional focus recognizes that porous borders, busy shipping lanes, and extensive coastlines make it difficult for individual governments to monitor trafficking routes and respond effectively on their own.
Recent operations demonstrate the value of joint efforts. In August, CARICOM reported that Operation Eclipse—involving 14 member states, seven associate members, and international partners including Canada—disrupted smuggling networks and resulted in seizures estimated at US$54.5 million. INTERPOL’s Caribbean Task Force project, also funded by Canada, is intended to strengthen intelligence-led operations against organized crime between 2026 and 2030.
This new commitment forms part of Canada’s wider relationship with CARICOM, covering security, development, and economic cooperation. Its success will depend on sustained coordination and the ability to turn funding and training into lasting improvements for Caribbean communities.
