Lewis and Labega attend ParlAmericas security gathering in Chile

Members of Parliament Lyndon C.J. Lewis and Dimar C. Labega represented the Parliament of Sint Maarten at the Second Gathering of the ParlAmericas Parliamentary Network on Security, held from 21 to 23 October at the National Congress of Chile in Valparaíso.

According to the Parliament of Sint Maarten, the gathering focused on parliamentary responses to organised crime and violence in the Americas and Caribbean. Participants exchanged experiences and legislative approaches concerning organised crime, cybercrime, illicit financial activities and other security challenges.

Lewis, chairman of Parliament’s permanent Committee of Justice, was a panellist during a session organised with International IDEA on democratic security and legislative responses to organised crime and cybercrime in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Parliament said Lewis spoke about difficulties faced by smaller jurisdictions including Sint Maarten, and called for regional cooperation.

The Parliament said Lewis also said legislation should be practical and supported by funding, trained personnel, equipment, clear institutional responsibilities and parliamentary oversight.

The gathering ended with a declaration calling for people-centred security policies combining crime prevention, law enforcement, access to justice, human rights and the rule of law. It also called for stronger parliamentary oversight, modernised justice systems, regional cooperation and safeguards for technology and artificial intelligence used in public security.