ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, 16 NOVEMBER, 2011_ Grenada’s Prime Minister and Minister for National Security, Hon Tillman Thomas, will emphasize the crucial link between security, human rights and democratic governance, when he meets with ministers of national security in the hemisphere on Thursday and Friday. The Prime Minister will lead a two member delegation to the Organisation of the American States (OAS) third Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Public Security in the Americas (MISPA III), which will also be attended by United States Attorney General Eric Holder. The Prime Minister, accompanied by Special Assistant responsibility for Immigration and Security, Phillip Alexander, leave the state this evening for Trinidad and Tobago to attend the two day meeting which brings together Ministers and vice ministers from the 34 member states of the OAS. “Grenada will continue to work with the region and the OAS to modernize and strengthen our security systems, including the Royal Grenada Police Force. We will seek avenues to provide training, improve equipment and enhance the legal system, to increase the use of technology in crime prevention and interdiction,” the Prime Minister said Wednesday. The Grenadian leader said he is looking forward to a more coordinated regional approach to dealing with public security both in the CARICOM area and the wider region, because “those who perpetuate criminal activity are not restricted by borders.” Prime Minister Thomas also pointed out that the engagement of the United States in the process is crucial, especially since the region is used as a transshipment point for much of the drugs destined to the US. The Grenadian leader welcomed the increased emphasis which the OAS has placed on the co-ordination of criminal justice within the hemisphere, which he said, allows authorities responsible for law enforcement and public safety management to identify the root causes of crime and violence and co-ordinate a response. “There are significant benefits to our small states if we can strengthen the partnership with our colleagues in the more developed countries of our region and our hemisphere, to deal matters of public security and violence. We require the necessary assistance to build capacity, improve infrastructure and enhance our ability to promote safety and security in our islands,” the Prime Minister said. MISPA I was held in Mexico City in October 2008, and MISPA II took place in Santo Domingo in November 2009.