Bermuda played host to a regional border security conference for the first time in two decades with officers invited from across the Caribbean.

The 48th Annual Conference of the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council was held at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club between May 26 and 29.

Under the theme “Protecting Society: Caribbean Customs in Action through Vigilance and Commitment”, attendees discussed the role customs played in tackling smuggling, financial crimes and other threats.

David Burt, the Premier, who served as the event’s keynote speaker, said: “Customs is central to national security. It is central to economic stability and confidence. It is central to the protection of our people.

“A port must move goods, but it must also protect communities.

“Customs must support trade and economic growth but it must also stand against those who try to use legitimate commerce as cover for crime.”

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, said the conference was especially necessary as threats became more complex.

He emphasised that modern threats “do not respect borders”.

He said: “Illicit trafficking, transnational organised crime, firearms and narcotics smuggling, financial crimes, cyber-enabled criminal activity and human trafficking all require customs administrations to remain alert, co-ordinated and ready to respond.”

Lucinda Pearman, the Bermuda Collector of Customs, said her department was “honoured” to host the event and called it necessary for sharing experiences and lessons.

She added: “Every day, officers are making decisions that protect our borders, support legitimate trade and help prevent dangerous goods from reaching our communities.

“That work is not always visible to the public, but it is essential to the safety, stability and wellbeing of society.”