Police officials from across the Caribbean are in Bermuda for the 10th CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security meeting which opened yesterday at the Hamilton Princess hotel.

The meeting was opened by a short speech from Senator David Burch, who used the opportunity to both welcome the visiting Police officials and representatives and to state the importance of Bermuda's involvement in CARICOM, the Caribbean trade organisation.

"We must protect our borders to protect our people," said Sen. Burch. "We were not having a holiday in Trinidad, we were working."

Sen. Burch recently attended a CARICOM meeting in Port of Spain, Trinidad aimed at discussing arrest warrant treaties, cyber-crime, and other police issues.

Former Jamaican police commissioner Francis Forbes agreed with Sen. Burch in another short speech.

"We may look at the dollars we spend, but how do you compare the cost of travel to the importance of security," said Mr. Forbes.

The visiting representatives arrived on Tuesday and Wednesday, and will be meeting until today, before leaving tomorrow.

The meetings will also involve members of the Bermuda Police, the Bermuda Regiment and Bermuda Customs, and aim to improve relationships between Bermuda and other CARICOM members, hopefully leading to greater cooperation in customs and policing matters.

CARICOM is made up of 15 full member nations and five associate members. Bermuda became an associate member of the organisation in 2003, and this is the Island's first time hosting an event.