World News

Sandals Resorts, the iconic Caribbean brand and global leader in the luxury travel industry, has agreed a long-term contract to become the new principal partner and team sponsor of the WINDIES (the West Indies cricket team), following their support of last week's Hurricane Relief T20 Challenge at Lord's.

The new partnership is effective immediately and will cover all WINDIES teams from U-15s through to the WINDIES Men's and Women's teams. As part of the agreement Sandals will have their logo inscribed on all WINDIES playing and training clothing, as well as benefiting from activating WINDIES cricket in their marketing and social responsibility programmes. Sandals will also enjoy stadium branding at all home matches and broadcast sponsorship of all WINDIES matches shown on Sky Sports.

The announcement was confirmed on Tuesday 5th June by Johnny Grave, Chief Executive Officer of Cricket West Indies (CWI) as the WINDIES prepare for their three-Test series against Sri Lanka; which started on Wednesday 6th of June at the Queen's Park Oval, Port of Spain, Trinidad.

“WINDIES cricket is the heartbeat of the Caribbean and we're thrilled to partner with such a prestigious international brand as Sandals which is also synonymous with promoting the best of the Caribbean to the world. Sandals shares our determination to strengthen and grow cricket across the region, as well as harnessing cricket's power to drive economic investment and tourism” said Grave.

Sandals Resorts International (SRI) Chairman and Founder, the Hon. Mr. Gordon 'Butch' Stewart OJ, CD, Hon. LL.D said, “Our relationship with West Indies cricket is not a new one, having sponsored tours to the UK in 1995, 2000 and 2004, and we have now deepened our support for the WINDIES with this sponsorship which will cover ALL upcoming tours including the World Cup until the end of 2020. We have absolutely loved our association with West Indies Cricket over the years, and we look forward with great enthusiasm to this latest partnership, which started with a win against the ICC World XI in the hurricane relief fundraising match at Lord's on May 31. We look forward to the WINDIES continuing its winning ways in the series against Sri Lanka, and the others to come.”

Mr. Stewart added, “Sandals believes in the collective power of our Caribbean people, which has been at the heart of our success as the World's Leading All-Inclusive Company for 22 consecutive years. Similarly, the WINDIES has been one of the most important institutions in fostering regional unity and pride. Sandals and West Indies cricket are two of the most successful indigenous brands to have come out of the Caribbean, which makes this partnership a natural fit, and we are proud to work alongside Cricket West Indies once more.”

The WINDIES Men's and Women's teams are the current ICC World T20 Champions.

The partnership is set to run until December 31, 2020.

For more information visit https://www.beaches.com/all-inclusive/.

There’s bound to be an epidemic of fear of missing out (FOMO) spreading across the country this summer, as Twitter and Instagram feeds become swamped with pictures of friends and family enjoying themselves on their summer holidays.

For those who are looking for somewhere different to explore, rather than sailing around St Tropez or getting away to the Galapagos, they need look no further. VisitScotland has revealed a list of the top places closer to home where you too can give your friends holiday envy, without even leaving the country, in a newly commissioned list of ‘Top 10 Scottish staycation spots to rival Instagram’s hotspots’.

Whether you’re interested in a walking holiday that trumps the Peruvian Andes, a beach to beat a sandy Greek Island coast, or some ‘scandi style architecture’ to admire, Scotland really does have something for everyone on Britain’s doorstep, but not many Brits have discovered them yet.

The list consists of 10 different locations right across Scotland – from Shetland to Dumfries and Galloway – that bear an uncanny resemblance to iconic international destinations. For travellers visiting any of these locations, their followers will be desperate to know which exotic spot they’re in and travellers can be all the more smug when it’s revealed it’s only a train ride away.

Guests at St. Lucia's luxury resort Anse Chastanet are in for a special treat next month when Mango Madness returns from June 13 to 17, 2018.

The popular event celebrates the tropical fruit and offers mango-themed activities to entertain and educate visitors.

"We have mango trees in abundance across our organic Emerald Farm and will continue our annual celebration of this fascinating tropical fruit while we educate our guests and enhance their food and beverage experience at the resort," said Karolin Troubetzkoy, Executive Director of both Anse Chastanet and its sister resort Jade Mountain.

As part of the five-day festivities, there will be a live, interactive cooking class using mangos as the core ingredient. Participants will learn to cook with the flavorful fruit in the Chef de Cuisine's special cooking class. "There we will reveal the secrets of preserving the exotic flavor of mango while creating traditional chutney," said Troubetzkoy.

As always, the popular Jungle Grill on Anse Mamin Beach will be available to delight visitors. In keeping with the theme of the week, the grill will deliver an infusion of mango flavors in salads, fresh fish and homemade burgers.

Guests will also be invited to feast on a mango breakfast of exotic fruit, artisan cheeses and freshly brewed St. Lucian coffee and cocoa tea.

For the evening pleasure, there will be a five-course mango dinner including a wine pairing that is just right for each dish.

In addition to cooking classes, experienced bartenders will reveal their secrets and teach mango mixology, featuring the Caribbean's favorite spirit - rum.

African culture, arts, music and fashion as a tribute to what Africa has provided to the world were showcased yesterday to mark Africa Day.

The event, which coincided with the launch of FetAfrik, took place at the International Conference Centre (ICCS) under the theme ‘Winning the fight against Corruption: A sustainable path to Africa’s transformation’.

Schools along with other individuals were present to showcase African culture at yesterday’s spectacle which consisted of a mixture of poems, performances and art.

Among the audience were Designated Minister Macsuzy Mondon, who is also responsible for culture; Speaker of the National Assembly Nicholas Prea; French Ambassador Lionel Majeste Larrouy; Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Seychelles Jennifer Sullivan; Secretary of State (for poverty alleviation) Dick Esparon; elected member of the National Assembly for Port Glaud Egbert Aglae; chief executive (CEO) of the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation Berard Dupres; CEO of the Creative Industries and National Events Agency (Cinea) Galen Bresson; as well as students from both primary and secondary schools from around Seychelles.

The ceremony kicked off with a poem entitled ‘Sesel mon zil krepi’ by Stephanie Joubert, a member of Bling Bling poetry association.

This was followed by a performance by the International School of Seychelles’ choir.

The ‘Lavann’ group from Beau Vallon gave a performance of African style dancing, fully equipped with the clothing and body paint which is famously worn according to African culture and traditions.

In his opening address, Mr Bresson said that Africa Day or better known in Seychelles as FetAfrik is an opportunity for us as a nation to reflect and celebrate our African heritage.

“Too often the media portrays mostly the doom and gloom of African countries, but if they were to look deeper one would see that Africa, though we may not accept it, was the cradle of civilisation once upon a time. I take this opportunity to call upon every Seychellois to be proud of who we are,” said Mr Bresson, who also thanked all the people who formed part of the activity.

Elia Damassy, who is also a member of Bling Bling Poetry recited the second poem of the event entitled ‘Machine a Fric’, speaking out on both the downfall and uprising of Africa.

As the performances ended, the audience had a chance to view an exhibition showcasing African culture while being entertained by performances from Kershia accompanied by the Mozaik Band.

The Camping and Caravanning Club has partnered with The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) to light up the Great Ridge in the Peak District National Park to raise awareness of the Mend Our Mountains: Make One Million appeal and launch National Camping and Caravanning Week (NCCW), the Club’s annual celebration of camping, caravanning, motorhoming and the great outdoors.

As part of the Club’s commitment to help improve access to the countryside for its almost 750,000 members, it has teamed up with the BMC on the Mend Our Mountains: Make One Million appeal, which aims to raise £1 million to repair paths in the UK’s 15 National Parks and is backed by Cotswold Outdoor and Snow+Rock.

And with more than half of campers in the West Midlands enjoying walking more than any other activity when on holiday and 95% reporting positive benefits from walking on their health and wellbeing, the latest Club research paints a rosy picture for walking in the region.

Julia Bradbury, Club President and TV presenter, said: “I have a passion for the outdoors and exploring the UK’s best walks – and it’s great to hear that fellow campers do too!

“I’m really impressed that nearly half of campers in the West Midlands told us they get out for a three to four mile walk at least once a month. If that sounds a bit much though, a short stroll just a few minutes from loads of our campsites will often be enough to catch some stunning views, especially at dawn and dusk.”

Robert Louden MBE, Director General at The Camping and Caravanning Club, said: “Walking and hiking are hugely popular with campers as activities to enjoy with family and friends.

“The Club was one of the original founding members of the BMC and we are extremely pleased to be supporting the Mend Our Mountains appeal, which is doing vital work to ensure we both protect our countryside and provide good, sustainable access to it. We’d like to thank our many volunteers and supporters involved with the Great Ridge Light Night, and also our many partners including our head torch sponsors, Robens and Vango.”

The Mend Our Mountains: Make One Million appeal features two projects in the Peak District National Park: the Great Ridge and Cut Gate. To donate and learn more visit www.mendmountains.thebmc.co.uk.

Club research also revealed that 55% of campers in the West Midlands say sturdy walking boots and waterproof jackets are their essential pieces of walking kit.

Zimbabwe has applied to re-join the Commonwealth. The proposal came in a letter dated 15 May to Secretary-General Patricia Scotland from Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The Secretary-General was delighted to receive the letter.  “I whole-heartedly echo the sentiments of Heads of Government who have said twice, in 2009 and subsequently in 2011, that they very much look forward to Zimbabwe’s return when the conditions are right. Zimbabwe’s eventual return to the Commonwealth, following a successful membership application, would be a momentous occasion, given our shared rich history,” she said.

Zimbabwe joined the Commonwealth on its independence in 1980 and withdrew from the organisation in 2003.

To re-join, Zimbabwe must demonstrate that it complies with the fundamental values set out in the Commonwealth Charter, including democracy and rule of law plus protection of human rights such as freedom of expression.

The membership process requires an informal assessment to be undertaken by representatives of the Secretary-General, followed by consultations with other Commonwealth countries.

Zimbabwe has also invited the Commonwealth to observe its forthcoming elections in July. The Secretariat is now mobilising a team of observers to do so – and their observations will form part of the Secretary-General’s informal assessment.

“I urge the government, opposition parties, the election management body, civil society, and all stakeholders, to play their part in ensuring a credible, peaceful and inclusive process that restores citizens’ confidence, trust and hope in the development and democratic trajectory of their country,” stated Secretary-General Scotland.

The Severn Trent region has been basking in sunshine for the last few days and, with the sunny weather set to continue, the company is asking customers to just think a little bit more about how they use water.

Everyone has a part to play when it comes to saving water and it can be the smallest changes right now that can make the biggest difference in the future.

Doug Clarke, Severn Trent’s water efficiency manager, says: “There are so many things that our customers can do to help save water in their daily lives – and if they’re on a water meter it’ll help save them money too.

“Some of our simplest tips relate to your morning routine - always turn off the tap while you’re brushing your teeth and keep an eye on how long you’re in the shower, the shorter it is, the more you can save.

“A short, cool shower is also much better than running a bath and has the added bonus of helping to reduce the cost of your energy bill too.”

It’s been more than 20 years since Severn Trent last had a hosepipe ban in place and, while the company is confident it has enough supply to meet demand, it's still encouraging customers to save what they can.

Doug continues: “It’s never a bad thing to save a little water, and it’s just little things that can make a difference. Consider using your leftover washing up water in the garden, or invest in a water butt to catch rainwater that you can use to water your plants and flowers through the summer.

“On top of that we have some great water saving devices, including shower timers and plant water saving gel, available to order for free on our website.

“Our water resources are in a healthy position and looking good for the summer ahead so we’re just asking our customers not to be complacent and to think about all the different ways they can save water. I’m sure everyone wants the warm weather to continue but, if it does, we just need to get into some good habits now.”

The Pure Grenada exhibit at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2018 named ‘Grenada-The Road to Success’ has won a highly coveted gold medal. This brings to 14 the number of gold medals awarded to Grenada in 20 years of exhibiting at the Show, with four being awarded in as many consecutive years to Grenada-based lead designer, Catherine John and her extended team of volunteers.

This year, the team brought Pure Grenada, the Spice of the Caribbean to life with a fragrant and exuberant representation of one of the island’s iconic historic symbols-the board bus. Measuring 10ft by 4ft, the sides are open to the spice-fragranced breeze and sweeping views as the bus heads back to the countryside from the capital city of St George’s.

The Grenada team’s intricate design emphasises the rich and abundant flora typical of the tri-island state of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, accented with scented spices and complemented by verdant foliage. Heliconias, orchids, gingers, tropical ferns, fruits and spices all feature prominently.

Mrs. John said: “’Grenada-The Road to Success’ unites Grenadians in the memory of travelling by open-sided bus to and from our capital St George’s. These buses, always resplendent in our national colours of red, gold and green, were an institution in themselves and provided vital transport links to work, school and markets. Goods were carried on the rooftop, represented by our hanging orchids and bananas, whilst the exhibit showcases our islands’ extraordinary fertility and biodiversity with evocative blooms, foliage and spices that thrive at different levels of vegetation.”

She added: “Our rainforest, dry forest, orchids and spices are all represented, revealing their intense colours and fragrances to ensure Grenada really stands out from the floral displays at the Show.”

The blooms, greenery and spices were grown in Grenada and arranged to design ahead of Monday, 21st May when the display enthralled VIP Press Day visitors including Dr Johnson Beharry VC – recipient of the highest military decoration for valour in the British and Commonwealth armed forces, who was born in Grenada. Well-known names including ITV Royal Wedding presenter, Philip Schofield; athlete Perri Shakes-Drayton; singer Beverley Knight; and actors Alison Steadman OBE and Christian Vit (Game of Thrones) were also impressed.

Mrs. John said: “We’re delighted that the exhibit has been awarded a Gold Medal here in London. A journey on an open-sided bus was a delight, and my personal inspiration for the design comes from memories of driving past cocoa and spice trees, palms, exotic blooms and brightly-coloured blooming shrubs. Many more Grenadians will fondly recall idyllic journeys on such buses between the 1930s and 1990s.”

Patricia Maher, CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, said: “We’re proud to sponsor ‘Grenada-The Road to Success’ and the entire team who have once again provided visitors to the world’s premiere flower show with an authentic taste of our islands. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is an unrivalled world stage and continues to play a prominent role in enticing visitors to Pure Grenada, where they are free to wonder at our abundant natural beauty and exquisite gardens.”

All connected with the pavilion express their gratitude to the 2018 supporters and those who offered their time and plant materials.

Secretary-General Patricia Scotland has outlined her vision to fight corruption in the Commonwealth.

She was speaking at the opening of the 8th Commonwealth Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja.

The theme for this year’s conference is ‘Partnering towards assets recovery and its return’, and the Secretary-General highlighted the challenges facing member states.

“Globally, we are facing a tsunami of corruption. In 2015, UNODC estimated that the amount of money laundered globally each year is 2 to 5 per cent of global domestic product or between 800 billion and USD 200 trillion,” said Secretary-General Scotland. “It is estimated that corruption costs the African continent over USD 148 billion per annum.

“You, the heads of anti-corruption agencies, will be seeking to meet this challenge. You are leading the fight against this Tsunami. You are the early warning mechanisms, the rapid responders, mobilisers, you put in place necessary, critical measures that enable us to build back better.”

To applause from two of the country’s former heads of state, the vice-president of Nigeria, Yemi Osibanjo, Thabo Mbeki, the former South African leader, and 200 delegates to the conference, she highlighted some of the successes against corruption in the continent.

“I would like to share a few of the inspiring stories on how you on the continent are beginning to win the battle against corruption,” continued the Secretary-General. “Botswana’s Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime is currently investigating 26 suspects who are accused of money laundering and fraud to the tune over 300 million pula, which is equivalent to USD 85 million.

“The Asset Recovery Unit of Uganda’s Inspectorate of Government is currently investigating three cases to the value of USD 5 million dollars. In Mauritius, the Asset Recovery Investigation Division is pursuing criminal proceedings in a case that is valued at about half a billion dollars.

“South Africa’s Special Investigations Unit which, between 2015 and now, has recovered assets or prevented fraud equivalent to 13 billion rand which is just over USD 1 billion dollars. Here in Nigeria, over USD 3 billion dollars of ill-gotten gains have been recovered.

“I would like to put on record my deepest admiration and gratitude for all anti-corruption agencies gathered here today, including those at the forefront of cases I have just highlighted.”

Secretary-General Scotland said the Commonwealth owed ‘immense gratitude’ for the wisdom and leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria. She described as ‘excellent and forthright’ the work being carried out by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) under the leadership of its acting-chair, Ibrahim Magu, and applauded the efforts of Professor Bolaji Owasanoye and his team at the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC).

The Secretary-General also encouraged delegates to read last month’s Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) communique which resolved to tackle corruption, illicit financial flows, money laundering and terrorist financing by intra-Commonwealth cooperation. She also urged them to study the newly launched Commonwealth Innovation Hub and make best use of the Commonwealth Office of Civil and Criminal Justice Reform (OCCJR).

“The Office is currently working with the British Standards Institute and the Global Infrastructure Anti-Corruption Centre on a package of Commonwealth Integrity benchmarks.

“The plan is for the benchmarks package to include a summary of requirements for key anti-corruption standards and commitments, with Commonwealth examples of good practice on implementation and enforcement,” said the Secretary-General. “Initial elements of the package will be presented during this conference, and feedback and recommendations from participants will be most valuable.

“I believe that the development and roll-out of a Commonwealth Integrity Index will act as a further weapon in our armoury to tackle this global tsunami. By doing so, we truly are working and acting towards the goal which I have so often enunciated.”

Secretary-General Scotland said that there would be a formal process of consultation with member countries to take all views into account. She anticipated that the benchmarks package could be presented for adoption in Rwanda at CHOGM 2020.

·     Welcome address by Hugh Riley, Secretary General and CEO, Caribbean Tourism Organization

·     Motivational message by a dynamic youth, Deacon Leandra Lambert, Episcopal Diocese of Long Island

·     Message of hope from Rabbi Bob Kaplan

·     Message of peace from Mohammed Razvi, Makki Mosque

·     Message of thanksgiving from a Guyanese pundit

·     Inspirational reading by Merisalyn Roberts, Miracle Temple Ministries, Brooklyn

·     Invocation by Pastor Gilford Monrose, Director, Faith-Based & Clergy Initiatives, Office of the Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams

·     Pastor Wendy Mitchell Lewis – Trinidad & Tobago

·     Minister Janice Charles – Grenada

·     Minister Cora Moore Williamson – Guyana

·     Minister Wayne Johnson – Trinidad & Tobago

·     Keeyana Lampkin – Saint Lucia

·     Braata Performing Arts Group – Jamaica

The Grenada Tourism Authority has announced a number of new initiatives and programmes aimed at improving the product offerings as well as increasing visitors to the tri-island destination.

Cruise Guest Experience Project Consultancy

Following the visit to Grenada of a high level delegation of the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) in June 2017, Grenada’s Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Hon. Clarice Modeste Curwen spearheaded a policy initiative to engage a cruise consultancy to improve the Pure Grenada Cruise Guest Experience.

Since then, Mico Cascais with 30-plus years’ experience in the global cruise industry has been engaged to fill this role. A six-month consultancy was approved by Minister Modeste-Curwen with the aim of developing a Grenada Cruise Guest Experience project proposal and road map.

The project is a 50/50 public private partnership between the Ministry of Tourism/Grenada Tourism Authority and private tourism stakeholders to be funded by both parties.

Today, one of the private sector partners George F. Huggins and Company Grenada Ltd. pledged its financial support for the project with the handover of a cheque to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation Arlene Buckmire Outram. Making the presentation on behalf of company CEO Anya Chow Chung was General Manager of the Services Division Sheldon Alexander. Speaking about the contribution, Mrs.Chow Chung said, “As the main tour operator for cruise ships in Grenada, we are delighted to significantly support this initiative aimed at improving the experience of cruise passengers who visit Grenada.”

Speaking of the project, GTA Nautical Development Manager Nikoyan Roberts said, “Team Grenada wants more passengers to come off the ship, experience Grenada and book tours.”

PS Outram thanked all private partners for joining the Ministry and the GTA in the initiative.

Additional Flights to Pure Grenada for Summer

A number of airline partners have announced more exciting opportunities for travellers to get to Pure Grenada for Summer from the main source markets.

From New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport, Jetblue has announced a daily service from June 21  - September 4, 2018. Further to the daily flights, Jetblue has increased capacity from August 15 – September 04 with a larger aircraft.

Additional airlift out of New York will include two non-stop Caribbean Airlines flights in August.

Delta Airlines announced two additional flights from Atlanta’s Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport in August.

From Canada, airlift capacity has doubled from Toronto Pearson International. Air Canada Rouge announced an additional flight increasing the service to two weekly flights from May to August. September and October will continue with one weekly flight making it an all year round service.

Additional airlift out of Toronto will include one charter flight by Sunwing on August 1 and one non-stop flight from Caribbean Airlines on August 9.

Speaking about the additional airlift, GTA Marketing Manager Francine Stewart said, “ We are thrilled for the additional airlift from our source markets since Pure Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique is in-demand making it a year round destination”

#NextStopGrenada Summer Campaign

Following a particularly long Winter in North America and Europe, Grenada is enticing travellers to come to the destination for Summer deals with its #NextStopGrenada Campaign.

From May 1 to October 31, Grenada’s extended Summer season will provide visitors with the opportunity to enjoy up to a 50% discount on hotel rates, take advantage of room upgrades, complimentary massages, children discounts, complimentary yoga classes, tour discounts and so much more. This campaign is perfectly timed with Grenada’s increased airlift, providing more opportunities for visitors to experience the destination and enjoy savings.

According to GTA CEO Patricia Maher “The value proposition for people booking in the summer period is tremendous and they get to enjoy quality accommodation offerings and excellent customer service that bring visitors back year after year.”

Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, the three-island destination best known as the Spice Island of the Caribbean and for providing travellers with boundless opportunities to explore, relax and experience the best of Caribbean living launched its Summer campaign #NextStopGrenada. It is designed to provide visitors with true value for money and the chance to experience all the destination has to offer.

From May 1 to October 31, Grenada’s extended Summer season will provide visitors with the opportunity to enjoy up to a 50% discount on hotel rates, take advantage of room upgrades, complimentary massages, children discounts, complimentary yoga classes, tour discounts and so much more.

According to Grenada Tourism Authority (GTA) CEO Patricia Maher “The value proposition for people booking in the summer period is tremendous and they get to enjoy quality accommodation offerings, and excellent customer service that brings visitors back year after year.”

Increased air access to Grenada is an added bonus for Summer as airline partners announced a number of additional flights to the destination from John F. Kennedy International in New York, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International in the USA and Toronto Pearson International in Canada.

During the Summer, Pure Grenada offers a host of festivals and cultural events to keep visitors entertained, including the: Chocolate Festival May 11 – 19; Petite Martinique Whitsuntide Regatta May 18 – 21, Carriacou Regatta August 3 - 6, Spice Mas August 13 – 14 and Dive Fest October 3 – 6.

Commonwealth countries have unanimously committed to take action on cybersecurity between now and 2020, following a landmark declaration.

In a major announcement at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the 53 leaders agreed to work closely together to evaluate and strengthen their cybersecurity frameworks and response mechanisms.

The declaration is the world’s largest and most geographically diverse inter-governmental commitment on cybersecurity cooperation. It followed an announcement by the UK government to pledge up to £15 million to help Commonwealth countries strengthen their cybersecurity capabilities and ‘tackle criminal groups and hostile state actors who pose a global threat to security, including in the UK’.

Speaking after the announcement, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said, “Cyberspace opens up new opportunities for socio-economic development by broadening common space and extending access. There is immense fresh potential for the multiple layers of Commonwealth connection to be used for the common good. The many positive benefits that can be derived are easily undermined and subverted by cybercrime, which has no respect for national boundaries. Commonwealth member countries are working together to strengthen their capacity, individually and collectively, to detect and guard against the debilitating threats cybercrime poses to all many aspects of national, regional and international security.”

With the internet increasingly central to global commerce, the Commonwealth Cyber Declaration sets out a shared vision of cyberspace in areas such as economic and social development, and online rights.

The declaration is also an important step for Commonwealth small states, which account for 31 of the Commonwealth’s 53 member countries. By promoting digital inclusion and a safer cyberspace, it sets out practical steps that will enable them to advance their economic and social development.

Steven Malby, Head of the Commonwealth Office of Civil and Criminal Justice Reform, said, “The Commonwealth Cyber Declaration is a landmark document which builds on the work of the whole family of 53 member countries. It emphasises the important role that the Commonwealth can play in this area at a time when cybersecurity and the protection of people’s rights online is at the forefront of everyone’s minds.”

With transnational cybercrime increasingly a challenge for global governments, Commonwealth countries are taking a leading role to combat cybercrime and promote good cybersecurity. The declaration includes recognition of the potential for a more active Commonwealth role in international discussions on global stability and cyberspace.

Mr Malby added, “There is a genuine need for international cooperation and capacity building for law enforcement and criminal justice officials on cybercrime, and this declaration represents a significant step forward in addressing countries’ concerns.”

The declaration marks a continuation of Commonwealth work in this area, including that of the Commonwealth Cybercrime Initiative (CCI), as well as the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO). In collaboration with the CTO and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Associations, the Commonwealth Secretariat will provide technical assistance to countries on cybercrime and cybersecurity capacity building. This will help to enhance incident-response capabilities, create effective laws for cyberspace, and strengthen law enforcement responses.