Bermuda’s role in regional border security took centre stage last week as senior Customs and law enforcement leaders from across the Caribbean gathered at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club for the 48th Annual Conference of the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC).

Held from 26 to 29 May 2026, the conference brought together regional officials to discuss the frontline role of Customs in protecting communities from smuggling, firearms, narcotics, human trafficking, financial crimes and other transnational threats.

The conference was held under the theme, “Protecting Society: Caribbean Customs in Action Through Vigilance and Commitment,” and marked the return of the major regional Customs gathering to Bermuda for the first time in more than two decades.

The opening ceremony was held on Wednesday, 27 May, and included remarks from His Excellency the Governor, Mr Andrew Murdoch, Premier the Hon David Burt, JP, MP, the Minister of National Security, the Hon Michael Weeks, JP, MP, CCLEC Executive Committee Chairman Mr Roderick Croes, of Aruba, Mr. Claude Paul, Permanent Secretary of CCLEC, and Collector of Customs Mrs Lucinda Pearman.

The Premier, who delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Government of Bermuda, said the work of Customs and border enforcement remains central to public safety, economic confidence and regional security.

Premier Burt said: “Customs is central to national security. It is central to economic stability and confidence. It is central to the protection of our people.

“A port must move goods, but it must also protect communities. Customs must support trade and economic growth, but it must also stand against those who try to use legitimate commerce as cover for crime.”

The Premier also recognised the frontline role of Customs officers and law enforcement partners across the region.

He said, “Very often, before the crime, before the weapon reaches the street, before the narcotics reach a community, before the proceeds of crime are moved, hidden or disguised, there is Customs.”

Minister Weeks said Bermuda was proud to host the conference and to support CCLEC’s continued work in regional Customs cooperation.

He noted: “Mr Claude Paul, Permanent Secretary of CCLEC, thank you for your leadership through the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council, and for the important work CCLEC continues to advance across our region.

“Bermuda has a distinct role in this region. We sit in the Atlantic, but we are closely connected to the Caribbean through our shared security interests, our maritime links, our trade routes and our partnerships.”

Minister Weeks said the conference theme was especially relevant as Customs administrations face increasingly complex threats.

He added, “Modern threats do not respect borders. Illicit trafficking, transnational organised crime, firearms and narcotics smuggling, financial crimes, cyber-enabled criminal activity and human trafficking all require Customs administrations to remain alert, coordinated and ready to respond.”

Mrs Pearman said hosting the conference was an important opportunity for Bermuda Customs to support regional cooperation and highlight the operational realities facing Customs administrations.

Collector Pearman said of the event: “The Customs Department was honoured to host this important regional conference and to welcome colleagues from across the Caribbean to Bermuda.

“Customs work is practical, operational and constant. Every day, officers are making decisions that protect our borders, support legitimate trade and help prevent dangerous goods from reaching our communities.

“That work is not always visible to the public, but it is essential to the safety, stability and well-being of society. Customs officers stand on the frontline against threats that can affect families, businesses and communities long before those threats are seen more widely.

“This conference allowed us to share experiences, discuss common challenges and build the relationships that make that work more effective.

“It also reminded us that Customs officers across the region carry a shared responsibility. Whether in Bermuda or elsewhere in the Caribbean, their vigilance, professionalism and judgement play a direct role in safeguarding our people and protecting the integrity of our borders.”

Mrs Pearman added: “Smuggling, trafficking, firearms, narcotics and other forms of organised criminal activity require close cooperation between jurisdictions.

“No Customs administration can meet these challenges alone. The protection of society depends on officers, agencies and countries working together, sharing information and acting with a common purpose.”

The conference focused on Customs standards, intelligence sharing, professional development, modern border management, technology, risk-based enforcement, trade facilitation and regional cooperation against smuggling, trafficking and other transnational threats.