The Government of Jamaica has found it necessary to develop a National Security Strategy (NSS) that integrates Jamaica’s major security goals, policies, responsibilities and actions into a comprehensive guide to safeguard the nation and to provide a secure environment in which Jamaicans can experience the rights, freedoms and other civil liberties guaranteed by the Constitution.

The process of developing the NSS is being coordinated by the Ministry of National Security, under the leadership of Rear Admiral (Retd) Peter Brady, Director General of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica. A National Security Steering Group, consisting of senior representatives of all relevant Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies was established to prepare a Draft of the NSS for presentation to Parliament in August 2004. The proposed document will include an Action Plan for the implementation of the NSS.

To ensure the successful development of the NSS, the Government is seeking the contributions of civil society, including non-governmental organisations, Jamaican citizens and friends of Jamaica. In this regard, interested groups and individuals, are invited to submit their recommendations for the development of the Strategy to the Government. Submissions of no more than two (2) pages should be sent by Monday, 10 May 2004 to:

The Co-ordinator, NSS Secretariat, Lt Col Richard Sadler;
Telephone 876 926 2280;
Fax 876 968 2236;
E-mail [email protected];

The address of the NSS Secretariat is Ministry of National Security

2 Oxford Road, Kingston 5. Jamaica.

As a general guide, it would be useful if written submissions could address issues concerning:

The submissions should also include your name, address and other contact details.

The Government plans to invite all organizations and individuals whose submissions are received to attend the NSS Public Consultations to be held on Tuesday, 25 May 2004 at the Courtleigh Hotel in Kingston.