Analysis by RICKEY SINGH

IN PREPARATION for next year's historic hosting of Cricket World Cup (CWC) by nine Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries, cricket-lovers and others would have to get accustomed to a whole range of new security acronyms for their own safety and freedom to travel.

Examples? Try remembering APIS, IMPACS, CCVP, CISNET, RIFC, or ROT.

It may seem amusing, but the media, incorporated by governments as a major partner in the regional strategy for the World Cup, could be expected to keep focusing on what the acronyms represent for Caribbean nationals and their visiting friends.

It all has to do with the overall goal of the host governments to ensure "a secure and safe environment" (SSE), as well as the creation of a "single domestic space" (SDS).

The SDS is being designed for the specific purpose of facilitating hassle-free intra-regional travel – presently an issue of passionate debates in some CARICOM jurisdictions.

Guaranteeing maximum security for the tournament– for which more than
50 000 overseas visitors are expected – is at the core of the common regional strategy to achieve the twin objective of a safe environment and an envisaged "golden period" for freedom of movement across the region.

On the CWC's security committee – led by Prime Minister Patrick Manning of Trinidad and Tobago, who has prime responsibility for crime and security among CARICOM leaders – are Barbados' Deputy Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Jamaica's National Security Minister Peter Phillips.

At the conclusion of the 27th CARICOM summit in St Kitts earlier this month, they briefed the media on how the Community plans on making a reality of the security arrangements.

The strategy involves a complex of mechanisms such as a permanent Interpol presence during the period; a special 400-man regional force of police and soldiers to beef up local security (at a cost of US$13 million), and committed co-operation from Britain, Canada, and the United States.

It was Barbados' Mia Mottley who has coined the concept of a "golden period" for freedom of movement during the CWC with an extra two weeks for loitering visitors to get their acts together should they wish to stay, legally, beyond that period.

The intention, as she and Minister Phillips have stated, is to determine to what extent the arrangements, once successful, could be adapted, post-World Cup, to enhance CARICOM 's on-going efforts to promote the phased freedom of Community nationals to live and work across the region, and not just hassle-free intra-regional travels.

l So what are some of the key factors involved – things you need to know – in the strategy to transform the nine host countries, plus Dominica which has requested partnership in the process, into a single domestic space for unrestricted freedom in intra-regional travel for CARICOM nationals as well as the huge influx of visitors expected for the World Cup games?

First, they would be exempted from having their passports stamped, but will be required to submit to immigration a completed ED (entry and departure) form that is being standardised for submission at all ports of entry.

The stamped ED form will serve as the reference document for travellers and immigration authorities. However all travellers are advised to be in possession of valid passports.

CARICOM nationals and others who were requested to leave the jurisdiction of any of the participating member states for the CWC, as well as Dominica, within the last five years, or have otherwise been categorised as "security threats", would be excluded from this "golden period" freedom of movement arrangement.

Secondly, there will be a common CARICOM Visa Policy (CVP) applicable to nationals from 46 countries who will enter the nine CARICOM states hosting the CWC, and Dominica. The visa would be expected to be honoured by all participating states.

An Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) will be working with a regional immigration sub-committee to develop a public communications plan to facilitate compliance by member states. The intention is to have the visa application process completed by the middle of next month.

Thirdly, a screening process to guard against criminals and suspected terrorists is to be operationalised with the use of, among other initiatives, "watch lists" compiled from primary data bases, including information on stolen and missing documents.

An important element in this arrangement is the cooperation secured from the United States for a scheme known as APIS (Advanced Passenger and Information Systems) that should be in place within the next six months – certainly before Christmas.

Fourthly, a common CARICOM Intelligence-Sharing Network (CISNET) has been established. The infrastructure for this programme, as designed and developed by a Regional Intelligence Committee (RIC), is being financed by the Trinidad and Tobago government.

The latest assessment on training of intelligence officers and functioning of the Network was done at a meeting held last month in Barbados.

Approval has also been given for the creation of a Regional Intelligence Fusion Centre (RIFC) which will be collaborating with a Regional Law Enforcement and Military Operational Team – ROT, for short.

ROT will function within the framework of a Treaty for Security Assistance (TSA).

However, for it to be operationalised, the participating governments would have to introduce legislation that incorporates it into domestic law before October 15 this year. Jamaica has been assigned responsibility to "command the operations team".

Furthermore, Joint Task Forces are to be deployed to sub-regional northern and southern sector units. These will be located in Antigua and Barbuda and in Trinidad and Tobago.

Barbados is the designated location for responsibility of the Regional Operations Centre (ROC). Details of a region-wide education programme, soon to be launched, are being finalised.

Let us hope for success in the implementation of the complex arrangements to ensure enjoyment of Cricket World Cup 2007 during which ten CARICOM states are transformed into "a single domestic space" for intra-regional freedom of movement, via air and sea transportation in a promised "safe and secure environment".