On March 9, 2026, the Director of the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies presented the 2025 William J. Perry Award for Excellence in Security and Defense Education to CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Michael Jones. The Center presented the award during its Caribbean Security and Defense Course, an especially fitting setting that brought together regional security leaders from across the Caribbean.
The Perry Award recognizes individuals and institutions whose contributions to security and defense education advance cooperation, strengthen institutional capacity, and promote transparency across the Americas. In his remarks, the Perry Center Director, Dr. Paul J. Angelo, acknowledged the significance of the gathering, noting “It is my distinct honor to recognize an institution — and a leader — whose contributions to security and defense education across the Caribbean Basin have been both transformative and sustained.” He further noted, “what’s more, we remain committed to Secretary Perry’s lasting legacy: a faith in the principle that positive and stable civil-military relations, respect for human rights and the rule of law, and a commitment to personal and institutional accountability afford our forces the legitimacy to act on behalf of their democracies and the credibility to advance policies that assure peace.”
The Perry Center first recognized CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) for its institutional leadership in strengthening regional border security, intelligence cooperation, and professional education. Under its stewardship, initiatives such as regional targeting mechanisms, a dedicated maritime unit, management of the CBSI-Connect Training Platform, and the training of more than 40,000 security professionals have strengthened capacity across CARICOM and Latin America.
Lt. Col. Jones addresses the participants of the CSD 2026 course
Dr. Angelo then presented a separate award to Lt. Col. Michael Jones in recognition of his individual leadership and vision. As Executive Director, Lt. Col. Jones has guided the Agency’s strategic growth, spearheaded the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, launched the CARICOM Crime Gun Intelligence Unit, and championed the motto “Mutual Security Through Partnerships,” reinforcing collaboration across the hemisphere.
In accepting the awards, Lt. Col. Jones emphasized the collective nature of the recognition, stating, “Although one award bears my name and the other was accepted on behalf of CARICOM IMPACS, these honors belong to our entire staff, whose sacrifices have brought the Agency to this milestone.” He reaffirmed the agency’s guiding principle, adding, “We must always seek partnerships grounded in mutual respect and benefit.” He also announced that beginning in 2027, CARICOM IMPACS will provide annual scholarships for two individuals from CARICOM Member States to attend the Perry Center’s Caribbean Security and Defense Course, further strengthening regional professional education and partnership.
The Perry Center proudly recognizes CARICOM IMPACS and Lt. Col. Michael Jones for their exceptional leadership and enduring commitment to advancing security cooperation and defense education across the Caribbean and the hemisphere.
