UK minister highlights crime, migration risks on first Cayman visit

Organised crime, illicit finance and the smuggling of drugs, guns and people are among the biggest security threats facing the Caribbean, UK Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty said Monday on his first official visit to the Cayman Islands.

The minister, speaking at a press conference alongside Premier André Ebanks and Governor Jane Owen, emphasised the importance of the partnership between the UK, Cayman and its regional allies in meeting this threat.

He sidestepped questions about US military operations against suspected drug boats in Venezuelan waters but stressed Britain shares wider concerns around narcotics and human trafficking across the region.