JAMAICA has agreed to partner with other CARICOM nations in the development of a team of homicide investigators specially trained and equipped in high-tech crime management.

The decision was taken at a forum of the region's security ministers at the 13th special meeting of the Caribbean Community, or CARICOM, in Trinidad and Tobago on the weekend.

Prime Minister Bruce Golding, National Security Minister Derrick Smith and Permanent Secretary Gilbert Scott attended the meeting. However, none was available for comment when they returned to the island yesterday.

Meanwhile, as part of its fight against corruption and drug trafficking, perennial stumbling blocks that have rooted some Caribbean countries to international watch-lists, CARICOM heads agreed that the region should have the capacity to do polygraph testing.

This, the summit said, would enable the Caribbean to address corruption in law enforcement and other agencies. It further agreed to the enactment of legislation to allow for plea-bargaining, the interception of communications and confiscation of assets connected to criminal activity.

CARICOM heads of government also agreed to build on the legacy of success from security cooperation arrangements implemented for the Cricket World Cup in 2007 and to introduce some of the elements on a permanent basis. These include the Advanced Passenger Information System, the Regional Intelligence Fusion Centre and the Joint Regional Communications Centre.

Discussions are to continue with respect to the CARICOM visa, the CARICOM travel card and the single domestic space.

Intelligence-sharing

The conference agreed to greater intelligence- and information- sharing among member states.

CARICOM heads have also agreed to explore the establishment of a rapid deployment regional joint force.

It was also agreed at the conference for there to be full utilisation of forensics, including DNA and comprehensive crime scene management, as well as the timely completion of investigations and to improve conditions for speedy prosecution of persons charged.