Dominican Republic hosts Caribbean-UK defense conference

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic is hosting the “Conference of Caribbean and UK Chiefs of Defence” (CHODs) from January 27 to 31, marking the first time the event is held in the country. Military leaders from 12 Caribbean nations and the United Kingdom are gathering to enhance cooperation on key security challenges, including transnational crime, drug trafficking, natural disasters, and cyber threats.

At the opening ceremony, Dominican Defense Minister Lieutenant General Carlos A. Fernández Onofre emphasized the importance of regional unity in tackling shared security risks. UK Ambassador Carol Vander Wat and Admiral Sir Anthony David Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Caribbean security.

A key feature of the conference was an exhibition at the Dominican Armed Forces’ C5i Center, showcasing advanced technology used to combat cyberattacks, manage disaster responses, and enhance regional security efforts. The event underscores the growing importance of defense collaboration in an increasingly complex global landscape.