Speaking at the opening of the workshop, United Nations Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Simon Springett, underscored the importance of strengthening networks to keep pace with realities on the ground. He said, “At times, the most important outcomes of a workshop such as this are not the presentations, but the personal connections that are made and can be called on when a complex case requires urgent coop eration. Those connections matter. Criminal networks do not respect borders; they are well connected and resourced. It is practical cooperation that makes justice work across our borders. When all institutions work together, justice moves that much faster.”

He added: “This is why the partnership with the UNDP PACE Justice Project and EL PACCTO 2.0 are valuable. They help turn international cooperation from a principle into a practical tool – one that prosecutors and justice officials can use to solve real cases and, importantly, deliver legal results.”

Resident Representative (a.i) of UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Stephanie Ziebell expressed satisfaction that the PACE Justice Project was supporting in this important initiative. She noted that EUROJUST provides Caribbean jurisdictions with an additional tool for addressing transnational crime, complementing existing mechanisms such as mutual legal assistance, extradition arrangements and police-to-police cooperation.

“The ability of countries to communicate effectively, share information efficiently, and coordinate action across borders is critical,” she said, adding, “When a case before a Caribbean prosecutor or court involves evidence, assets, suspects, or witnesses located within the European Union, EUROJUST can facilitate contacts with relevant authorities, support judicial cooperation processes, assist in resolving jurisdictional challenges, and help identify the most effective legal pathways for advancing investigations and prosecutions.”

Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States and the OECS, H.E. Fiona Ramsey, said: “Organized crime covers a variety of methods - virtual assets, maritime security, cyber-crime, human trafficking, firearms trafficking, corruption and the criminal misuse of emerging technologies - which are all challenges that transcend our national boundaries and require coordinated international responses.

The establishment of this network of EUROJUST Focal points provides and reflects a shared understanding that justice cannot stop at borders, and effective responses to transnational crime require trust, cooperation, and common purpose. They are mandatory if we are to deprive the criminal networks of the financial resources that further sustain their activities in the region.”

EUROJUST Vice President, José de la Mata, reassured that the individuality of jurisdictions would be respected, even as cooperation deepens. He said, “To fight organized crime efficiently, it is not enough to work in silos. We need to work together, with excellent links, knowledge, cooperation and coordination, as they are essential between the European Member States and the Caribbean region. It is encouraging to see the commitment and dedication of the islands involved, who have appointed their Focal Points and participated in this workshop. I appreciate they are distinct and separate jurisdictions who will need to tailor our mechanisms accordingly. 

Javier Samper, EL PACCTO 2.0, Director stated: “The establishment and consolidation of EUROJUST Focal Points in the Caribbean region has the potential to be a gamechanger for bi-regional legal cooperation. Organized crime represents a direct, systemic threat to our democratic structures and the safety of our citizens. It alters the economy, attempts to infiltrate state institutions, and targets vulnerable populations. Facing an interconnected threat requires a unified front.”