From December 10-12, the Perry Center participated in the 2024 Caribbean Nations Security Conference (CANSEC) in Trinidad and Tobago. This year’s conference gathered defense leaders from 16 nations under the theme “Strengthening Bonds, Securing Futures: United for Regional Security.” Co-hosted by Admiral Alvin Holsey, Commander of US Southern Command, and Air Vice Marshal Darryl Daniel, Chief of Defence Staff of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, the event highlighted the region’s longstanding partnerships and collective commitment to fostering a secure, peaceful, and prosperous Caribbean. Notably, five heads of delegation and many other participating were Perry Center graduates.

Dean of Academic Affairs William Godnick moderating discussion

Dean of Academic Affairs William Godnick facilitated two key discussions during the conference: “Countering Threats Across Domains” and “Enabling a Whole-of-Region Approach to Disasters and Crises.” Both sessions highlighted the Perry Center’s commitment to fostering regional collaboration and addressing shared security challenges through collective action.

Throughout the event, Perry Center Director Paul J. Angelo, Associate Director of Outreach and Communications Holly Peirce, Associate Director of Security Cooperation Pat Mathes, and Public Affairs Specialist Gabrielli Raya Lebron engaged with regional leaders, partners, and alumni. Their efforts, including bilateral meetings with representatives from Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, Guyana, Jamaica, The Bahamas, and Suriname, focused on reinforcing collaborative efforts.

During the meeting with Suriname, the Perry Center team discussed advancing mutual security priorities and demonstrating with Brigadier General Kioe A Sen, who has been selected to receive the 2024 William J. Perry Award for Excellence in Security and Defense Education.