Bermuda's Department of Public Prosecutions is hosting the first International Association of Prosecutors (IAP) North American and Caribbean Regional Conference, today and tomorrow at the Fairmont Southampton.

Opened yesterday with a welcome reception by US Consul General Grace Shelton, the conference had 72 confirmed delegates.

It will address drug trafficking and money laundering in organised crime, as well as the rise of violent gangs, domestic violence, sexual assault and crimes against children.

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Michael Scott called the invitation of international prosecution experts to Bermuda very timely, adding: "The networking opportunities provided by the conference should prove invaluable."

Mr Scott also noted that the region has been "slow to grapple with issues of crime against children and domestic and sex crimes in the family", and said the conference would offer "a prime opportunity to begin an earnest dialogue".

The first plenary session today includes the Bermuda Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, Bermuda Police Service, H.M. Customs and the Bermuda Bar Association and the Criminal Defence Bar.

All counsel from Bermuda's Department of Public Prosecution will attend, plus representatives from the US, the UK, Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, South Korea and 13 Caribbean nations.The conference will also be addressed by the IAP president.

The IAP is the only global association of prosecutors, representing more than 100 countries. Rory Field, Director of Public Prosecutions of Bermuda, was appointed to its executive committee last September.