Michael DeSilva, the Commissioner of Police, has been elected president of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police.

This marks the first time a Bermudian Commissioner has held the post.

Describing the new role as “a complete honour”, Mr DeSilva added: “The Bermuda Police Service is one of the smallest in the association, but we have a good reputation in the international law enforcement community of being a modern, progressive and highly capable agency.”

Founded in 1987, the ACCP is composed of commissioners from 24 police services through the Caribbean region, as well as Central and South America.

Its mission is to provide collaboration and co-operation between law enforcement agencies in the region to tackle crime, and to share strategies that improve policing, crime prevention and community relations.

The Association held its Annual General Meeting and Conference in Paramaribo, Surinam during the week of May 16.

The theme of the conference was Border Security. The Commissioners examined international co-operative efforts that are being made to mitigate increasing threats of organised crime and terrorism that relate to the movement of people and commerce between countries.

Commissioner DeSilva was elected as president at the meeting’s conclusion. Five executive committee posts are elected annually, and they may be held for a maximum of three consecutive terms, the Bermuda Police Service announced this afternoon.

“The BPS has been a member of the ACCP since 2000 and we have maintained a strong presence on the executive committee,” Mr DeSilva said.

“My two immediate predecessors, Commissioners George Jackson and Jonathan Smith, both held executive posts during their tenures. I am looking forward to the experience and the opportunity to work with such a diverse array of international partners.”

Responding in a statement, Jeff Baron, the Minister of National Security, said: “An important part of the mission of the ACCP is to provide collaboration and co-operation between law enforcement agencies around the region and to share strategies that improve policing, crime prevention and community relations. I believe that Police Commissioner DeSilva is certainly up to the task to provide robust and strategic leadership to this important Police body.

“Policing in Bermuda is one of the most difficult professions. On a daily basis our Police Service has a challenging task in maintaining law and order and protecting and safeguarding the members of our community and they should be commended for their service.

“There are common challenges that each of the member nations of the ACCP face and the Commissioner’s representation of Bermuda at such a high level is quite timely, as Bermuda has recently had to grapple with its own issues regarding crime and violence.

“I believe that the ACCP will be well served with Commissioner DeSilva at the helm and I encourage all of Bermuda to join me in extending congratulations to him.”