A CONTINGENT comprising thirty ranks from the Guyana Police Force (GPF) yesterday departed the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri to join their local counterparts and others from around the Caribbean in Trinidad and Tobago as the twin island republic prepares to host the much anticipated and major Fifth Summit of the Americas.

The contingent, under the command of Assistant Superintendent of Police Dwaad Cambridge, took off in a commercial aircraft from the CJIA at noon.

This newspaper understands that six ranks from the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) also departed Guyana on the same flight for Trinidad to join their fellow GDF ranks already there to provide similar security assistance.

Two Saturdays ago, three GDF officers and 57 other ranks flew to the same destination on a Brazilian Air Force Boeing 707, under the command of Company Commander, Major Dwain Jervis, to link up with others who went in February.

Those and others from other regional defence and security forces are already practising for the mammoth undertaking of providing and ensuring the safety of delegates to the Heads of Government meeting to be attended also by United States (U.S.) President Barack Obama.

For the duration of the summit, April 17 to 19, CARICOM Police officers have been afforded full powers of arrest, the Trinidad newspaper, Newsday reported.

It said the authority is provided under the Visiting Police Forces Act (2007) and the Regional Security Assistance Treaty promulgated for the Cricket World Cup.

Meanwhile, the region intends to advance its position on a number of issues and CARICOM Heads have been meeting for the past few months to discuss those that are of particular importance, among which are related to equity, inclusion and social development, reducing infant mortality, promoting job opportunities and strengthening food security.

The theme of the summit is ‘Securing Our Citizens’ Future by Promoting Human Prosperity, Energy Security and Environmental Sustainability’ and CARICOM Secretary General, Mr. Edwin Carrington has said the occasion presents an opportunity for the Region to get to know President Obama and help in developing a more complete and nuanced understanding of the region’s priorities and concerns while turning the page in its relationship with the U.S.