Caribbean

Costa Rica is determined to maintain a demilitarised approach to internal security despite the increasing challenge from violent transnational organized crime largely linked to the trade in illegal narcotics.

Despite a well-integrated Muslim population, and an environment where there is no tangible discrimination or lack of opportunity, the Jihadist ideology has succeeded in taking root in Trinidad. Links with organized crime have helped fuel the movement and strong links have been forged with ISIS and Al-Qaeda with the result that at least 89 Trinidadians are now in Syria. It is also argued that some Trinidadian Muslims have succumbed to the messages broadcast by ISIS and that the lure of fighting for an Islamic Caliphate has found resonance.

Israel’s influence on the new Trump Administration might clear the obstacles that have stood in the way of Honduras’ efforts to modernise its airforce

Suriname’s national army remains critically deficient in terms of air transport and maritime surveillance aircraft. It is an open question whether country’s armed forces will prove equal to the task of combating transnational organised crime.

The Jamaican Defence Forces have retained their cutting edge due to a skillful balancing of priorities with resources, the weak economy notwithstanding.

The capabilities of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force will be significantly boosted in the current phase of modernisation but the air wing still lacks resources.

The Trinidad Military, which should be concentrating on the maritime domain, is forced by expediency, to take on internal land operations.

India can become a player of significance as its current MR/ LTA – the Dornier Do-228 – is admirably suited to meet the requirements of Caribbean Air Arms.

The policy of shooting down aircraft suspected of narco-trafficking is one fraught with problems without any tangible impact on the narco-trade.

The Dutch Shipbuilding Company Damen’s success in the Western Hemisphere has important lessons for ship manufacturers who wish to export small and medium sized patrol vessels to the region and elsewhere.