T&T is getting UK funding to assist in dealing with security matters.
This country is among countries benefiting from £15 million in UK funding designed to help Commonwealth states strengthen cyber security capabilities plus tackle criminal groups and “hostile state actors” who pose a threat including in the UK and wider Commonwealth.
This was announced by the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday as Prime Minister Keith Rowley continued participation at the Commonwealth Heads of Government conference in London.
On Thursday evening, Rowley attended a formal dinner for leaders hosted by Commonwealth head, Queen Elizabeth 11 at Buckingham Palace.
The £15 million fund was recently announced by UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, the OPM stated.
The UK and T&T are also strengthening security co-operation specifically in the areas of cybercrime and human trafficking. T&T will benefit from the £15 million allocation in this regard.
Also yesterday, Rowley attended a leaders’ retreat at Windsor Castle—the main event for leaders on the final CHOGM day. The private meeting allowed for discussions of matters of mutual interest to the Commonwealth. It was chaired by UK PM May and Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness of Asthal (QC), Patricia Scotland.
Yesterday, however, UNC MP Rodney Charles accused Rowley of “snubbing” May by disregarding an invitation from her for a recent meeting of Caricom leaders in favour of “preparing for meetings” with energy companies.
Charles noted the Government’s explanation that Rowley didn’t attend the Caricom meeting because he had scheduled prior appointments.
“Imagine you’re a guest in another country, the PM of that country invites you to an important, well publicised meeting where she’s about to make an apology to you, and by extension all Caribbean citizens, for an embarrassing historic injustice of global dimensions..... and you send your Foreign Minister. That in any language is a diplomatic snub,” added Charles