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Australia strengthens its relationship with the Caribbean Region
Media Statement - 30th November 2009

 
Australian Prime Minister the Hon Mr Kevin Rudd

Australia and the 15 member countries of the Caribbean community (CARICOM) signed a new Memorandum of Understanding today in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.

This agreement will begin a new phase in Australia's relations with the countries of the Caribbean, with an emphasis on building regional economic resilience and integration and supporting small island states address the threat of climate change.

The centrepiece of the new relationship will be a $60 million development partnership over four years.

Many Caribbean states are vulnerable to the impact of climate change and natural disasters. The new partnership will provide a framework for cooperation on climate change adaptation, renewable energy, disaster risk reduction, natural disaster management, food security and agriculture.

The partnership will provide support to the CARICOM Climate Change Centre located in Belize and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency in Barbados to build capacity and draw on Australian expertise. It will also support the CARICOM Development Fund's activities in the region.

The partnership will also expand the new Australia Awards international scholarship program to the Caribbean. Eighty students from CARICOM countries will benefit from postgraduate scholarships for study in Australia over the next four years. The first Awards scholars will take up their awards in 2011. Education links will also be expanded through building ties between the Australian National University, the University of the South Pacific and the University of the West Indies.

The partnership will help to build Australia's links with the people of the Caribbean through an expanded sport for development program and the placement of Australian volunteers and technical experts in selected countries.
Under the new agreement, Australia and the countries of the Caribbean will maintain close contact on responding to international challenges such as climate change and the global financial crisis, including through the G20 of which Australia is a member. A key focus of Australia's support will be strengthening business opportunities through improving access to micro-finance measures to promote capacity and governance drawing on Australia's experience in the Pacific.

Australia's High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago, Philip Kentwell, will be accredited as non-resident Ambassador to CARICOM.
Australia and the Caribbean have long enjoyed friendly relations based on shared historical, sporting, social and political ties and membership of the Commonwealth.

CARICOM's 15 members are: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. 

 

Brian Lara receives Honorary Order of Australia

(Pictured above), Former West Indies batting star Brian Lara, second from left, poses for a photo with his daughter Sydney, Australia’s Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and his wife Thérèse Rein after receiving the Order of Australia.

In an historic event, former West Indies batting star Brian Lara was presented with an honorary award by the Australian Government in a ceremony on November 29 2009, at the official residence of Australian High Commissioner Philip Kentwell, in Port-of-Spain. Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who was in Port of Spain to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, presented the prestigious award to Mr Lara who becomes an Honorary Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia.

Rudd described the prolific batsman as a "truly great man" and commended his work as a mentor to young cricketers in the Caribbean and Australia. Mr Lara is a regular contributor to the Australian Institute of Sport and Queensland's Centre of Excellence at Griffith University.

Prime Minister Rudd acknowledged Mr Lara’s achievements by highlighting his historic world record (501) not out; highest score in test cricket (400 not out); the highest score off a single over (28), and until recently the greatest number of runs in a cricketing career.

(Pictured above) Cricketing great Brian Lara, H E Philip Kentwell and Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at the investiture ceremony in Port of Spain on 29 November 2009.

Australia and the Caribbean: Development Cooperation

In 2009-10 Australia will provide A$3.8 billion (approximately US$3.2 billion) worth of official development assistance. In the face of the global recession Australia is increasing its official development assistance, recognising the impact of the recession on the world’s poor.

Around one quarter of this A$3.8 billion is provided directly to multilateral organisations, many of which have significant programs in the Caribbean. These organisations include United Nations agencies, the Commonwealth and the World Bank.  The Australian Government also provides development assistance directly to communities in the Caribbean through a number of different programs. 

Australian Leadership Awards Fellowship (ALAF) Program

The ALAF program provides grant funding of up to A$35,000 per Fellow to host leaders or mid-career professionals for short-term specialised research, leadership training, or professional attachments, delivered in Australia.  Fellows will ideally have an established relationship with a partner organisation in Australia, or the ability to establish such a relationship, as this is a requirement of the program. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. The next round opens on 2 November and closes on 11 December 2009.
www.ausaid.gov.au/scholar/alafellow.cfm

Human Rights Small Grants Scheme

This scheme provides grants to organisations that are involved with, and have a proven track record in promoting and defending human rights.  Grants of between A$20,000 and A$100,000 for one-year projects (or up to A$150,000 for two-year projects) are available through a competitive selection process. Applications are due by 2 October 2009.
www.ausaid.gov.au/business/other_opps/humanrights_scheme.cfm

Australian Sports Outreach Program

This program is for grants of up to A$20,000 for community sport development programs, with a focus on increasing community participation in sport and physical activity.  Applications close on 2 October 2009.
www.ausport.gov.au/about/international/development_grants

Direct Aid Program (DAP)

DAP is a flexible, small grants program for individuals, community groups, and NGOs engaged in development activities. Expressions of interest to the High Commission in receiving a DAP grant for a project delivering community development benefits are welcomed throughout the year. Each grant is usually less than A$8000.
Contact the Australian High Commission for more information

Strengthening Maritime Ties: Royal Australian Navy ships visit the Caribbean 

Two Royal Australian Navy frigates recently completed highly successful visits to the Caribbean. The ships were in the Caribbean for a week, with port visits held in Port of Spain (HMAS BALLARAT) and Nassau (HMAS SYDNEY) from 5-8 August. “The visit by these two ships showed us that – despite being oceans apart geographically – Australia and the Caribbean continue to move closer together in maritime cooperation”, said Australia’s High Commissioner in Port of Spain, HE Mr Philip Kentwell.

 

(Pictured above) HMAS Ballarat as it docks at the King’s Wharf, Port of Spain Harbour.

Australia and the Caribbean countries share similar challenges in patrolling extensive maritime boundaries and large Exclusive Economic Zones. Australian shipbuilders have a growing presence in the region, serving both defence and civilian markets. Direct personnel links are growing, with ninety members of the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard having recently trained in Australia with Austal, a major Australian shipbuilding company.

( (Pictured above) Australian High Commissioner H.E. Philip Kentwell onboard HMAS Ballarat, waves to onlookers during the ship’s arrival in Port of Spain.
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In Port of Spain the Commanding Officer of HMAS BALLARAT and Australia’s Naval Attaché from Washington DC took part in a CARICOM Seminar on Maritime Security, Border Protection and Emergency Response hosted by Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad and Tobago is Chair of the CARICOM Ministerial Council for National Security and Law Enforcement. Another feature of the visit was the four Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard personnel who joined the HMAS BALLARAT for the voyage from the US to Trinidad and Tobago. Officers emphasised the excellent teamwork and camaraderie that quickly developed during their time on board.

The visit by HMAS SYDNEY to the Bahamas presented an excellent opportunity for high-level engagement between Australia and the Bahamas on maritime security. High Commissioner Kentwell and the ship’s Commanding Officer, Captain Peter Leavy, also hosted a cocktail reception and lunch on board during the visit to engage high level government and industry figures on issues of mutual interest.

 

Visit by “Descendance” to Trinidad and Tobago

On 27 May to 2 June, representatives of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dance Theatre group “Descendance” visited Trinidad and Tobago to perform at the Red Earth Festival 2009. This was a rare and special treat. As far as we are aware, “Descendance” is the first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander theatre group to perform in Trinidad and Tobago.

“Descendance” promotes traditional and contemporary indigenous culture and music. It has been the recipient of a UNESCO prize and has performed at several major international events, including the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and at the opening of the Rugby World Cup in 2003. The group has also performed for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Dalai Lama.

The Australian High Commissioner, HE Philip Kentwell, hosted a media event at the official residence to promote the group’s visit on 28 May. He officially opened “Dream Time” at the Red Earth Festival on 30 May. He also held a reception at the official residence for “Descendance” on 1 June.

The visit of “Descendance” to Trinidad and Tobago coincided with National Reconciliation Week, which is held in Australia on 27 May to 3 June. The High Commissioner noted that Reconciliation Week was an important time for all Australians.

The High Commissioner also took the opportunity to highlight the importance of the National Apology in Australia. On 13 February 2008, Prime Minister Rudd moved a motion of Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples in the Australian Parliament, which was unanimously passed and received a standing ovation on the floor of the House of Representatives. The Apology was an important step in Australia’s reconciliation journey, helping all Australians move forward with a better understanding of the past, and how the past affects the lives of indigenous peoples.

The members of “Descendance” that travelled to Trinidad and Tobago were: Ronaldo Guivarra (song man), Jason Sandy (didgeridoo and dancer), Ryka Satrick (didgeridoo and dancer), Raymond Prior (dancer), and Jose Calarco (guitar and modern songs in aboriginal language).

 
(Pictured above) Australian High Commissioner H.E. Philip Kentwell addresses  the media reception in honour of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dance Theatre group “Descendance” on 28 May, 2009.

  
(Pictured left to right) Members of “Descendance”: Ronaldo Guivarra, Ryka Satrick, Jason Sandy and Director Jose Calarco at the media reception.

(Pictured left to right) Ryka Satrick, Ronaldo Guivarra and Jason Sandy of “Descendance” performing at a reception held in their honour on Monday 1 June at the official residence of the Australian High Commissioner

Visit by Commodore Vincenzo Di Pietro, CSC, RAN,
Naval Attaché, Embassy of Australia, Washington

At a reception to introduce Commodore Vincenzo Di Pietro, on 22 May, the Australian High Commissioner H.E. Philip Kentwell formally announced the visit of two Royal Australian Navy Ships to the Caribbean. HMAS BALLARAT will visit Port of Spain and HMAS SYDNEY will visit Nassau on 5-8 August 2009. The event was attended by senior Trinidad and Tobago national security officials and representatives of the diplomatic community.

Commodore Di Pietro was in Port of Spain to discuss arrangements for the ship’s visit. Along with the High Commissioner, he met with Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon; the Acting Chief of Defence Staff, Colonel Roland Maunday; and, the Director of Defence Transformation and Integration Secretariat Ministry of National Security, Commodore Garnet Best.

(Pictured above) Commodore Garnet Best, Director of Defence Transformation and Integration Secretariat, Ministry of National Security; and, Commodore Vincenzo Di Pietro, CSC, RAN Naval Attaché, Embassy of Australia, Washington.


(Pictured left to right) Lt Commander Clinton J. Prindle Military Liaison Office Chief US Embassy; Commodore Vincenzo Di Pietro, CSC, RAN Naval Attaché, Embassy of Australia, Washington; Commander Michael Percharde; British High Commission and, Australian High Commissioner H.E. Philip Kentwell. 

All travellers are encouraged to refer to the Smartraveller website for regular updates on the Swine Influenza Outbreak: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au

Officials at the 2009 ANZAC Day dawn ceremony
(Pictured above) Acting High Commissioner Jo Woodbury addresses attendees at the 2009 ANZAC Day dawn service. Also pictured (from left) are Warrant Officer Colville Titus, Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF), Warrant Officer First Class Trevor Henry/TTDF, Fleet Chief Petty Officer Learie Farray/TTDF, Chief of Defence Staff representative Colonel George Michael Clarke/TTDF, British High Commission Third Secretary James Dolan and Second Secretary and Consul James Holgate (far right).

On 25 April 2009, an ANZAC Day dawn service and gunfire breakfast was held at the Chaguaramas Military History and Aerospace Museum in Port of Spain. It was attended by representatives of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, diplomatic colleagues, members of the public and local media.

In her speech, the Acting High Commissioner outlined the significance of ANZAC Day and drew attention to wartime linkages between Australia and Trinidad and Tobago. Three Australian servicemen from World War II are buried at the St James Military Cemetery in Port of Spain. Five Trinidad and Tobago nationals served with Australian forces in the Vietnam War.

Second Secretary and Consul James Holgate recited the Ode of Rememberance and presided over the service. Third Secretary James Dolan from the British High Commission represented New Zealand and read a poem. The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force band played the national anthems of Australia, New Zealand and Trinidad and Tobago. Several wreaths were laid in honour of those who had died during wartime.

The flags of Australia, New Zealand, and Trinidad and Tobago were lowered to half-mast. Following two minutes silence at the end of the service, members of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force returned the flags to full mast as the bugler played ‘The Last Post’.

ANZAC Day crowd and military band

Flag raising

At the conclusion of the 2009 ANZAC Day dawn service, a gunfire breakfast was held at the Museum. Home-baked ANZAC biscuits were served, in addition to local breakfast fare.

Gunfire Breakfast

Following the gunfire breakfast, representatives travelled to the St James Military Cemetery in Port of Spain to pay their respects to three Australian Servicemen who died during World War II.

Three wreaths
(Pictured above) Acting High Commissioner Jo Woodbury, Second Secretary and Consul James Holgate and Fleet Chief Petty Officer Learie Farray carry wreaths to the graves of Australian servicemen buried at the St James Military Ceremony

(Pictured above) Courtenay De Four and Zoe Holgate tend to the grave of Australian Pilot Officer, A.A Morris.

YELLOW FEVER ALERT

Trinidad and Tobago's Ministry of Health has issued a yellow fever alert following the recent death of monkeys in forest areas in January 2009. Trinidad and Tobago is considered an endemic country for the mosquito-borne illness yellow fever. Although there have been no recent human cases, the yellow fever virus may be present in animals and can be transmitted by mosquitoes to humans. It is recommended that travellers consider yellow fever vaccination prior to travel and be aware that some countries (not Australia) require evidence of yellow fever vaccination from travellers who have been to Trinidad and Tobago in the preceding six days. 

Please check the travel advice for Trindad and Tobago on http://www.smartraveller.com for further information

(Pictured above)  Australian High Commissioner H.E Philip Kentwell makes remarks at the Australia Day Reception.



On 26 January 2009 Australian High Commissioner Mr Philip Kentwell, hosted a reception in honour of Australia Day at his official residence. The event was attended by Trinidad and Tobago government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business and sport communities. Mr Kentwell and Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Paula Gopee-Scoon toasted the occasion and gave warm messages on behalf of their respective governments.

In his speech, Mr Kentwell shared his thoughts on the prospering relationship between Australia and Trinidad and Tobago by highlighting specific trade initiatives benefiting both countries. In 2008, there was the signing of Australia’s largest ever single sale with any country in the region, being the contracts for the six fast patrol craft to be delivered to the Trinidad and Tobago Coastguard later this year built by the West Australian shipbuilders Austal Ltd. He noted the presence of Australian companies BHP-Billiton and WorleyParsons, which remain actively engaged in the energy sector and the likely re-emergence of BlueScope Steel in the Trinidad market.

Mr Kentwell also drew particular attention to Australia’s strong commitment to multilateralism, and cited examples of its engagement of the global community on issues such as climate change and international security. He noted the Australian Government’s decision to ratify the Kyoto Protocol on Climate Change and the decision to deliver, on its first parliamentary sitting day, an apology to generations of Australian indigenous people who have come to be known as the “Stolen Generations.”

In her remarks, Minister Gopee-Scoon reflected on the establishment of diplomatic relations between Australia and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. She highlighted the improvement of bilateral relations in the areas of sport, education, trade and maritime sectors and thanked Australia for its assistance to Trinidad and Tobago in sport through the Australian Sport Outreach Program (ASOP) and aid assistance to the Special Education Foundation in Trinidad and Tobago.

From left: H.E. José Vignolo, Ambassador for Argentina; Senator Danny Montano, President of the Senate of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago; and, The Hon. Ivor Archie, Chief Justice and President of the Court of Appeal Court of Trinidad and Tobago.

From left: Mr Julian Haskell, Mrs Lisa Haskell, General Manager WorleyParsons Trinidad Limited and Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, The Honourable Paula Gopee-Scoon. 

Barbados celebrates of Australia’s National Day

(Pictured here) Australian High Commissioner Philip Kentwell brings greetings at the Australia Day Breakfast in Barbados.

In commemoration of Australia’s National Day, a breakfast meeting was held on 26 January, 2009 at the Aqua Restaurant Hastings. The event was attended by several Barbados Ministers of Government, senior Barbados government officials and members of the business community. In their respective messages, the Australian High Commissioner H.E. Mr Philip Kentwell and the Barbados Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator the Honourable Maxine McClean reflected on the strengthening bilateral relationship between Australia and Barbados.


In doing so, Mr Kentwell highlighted advancements specifically in the area of trade, despite the global economic downturn. He made reference to BHP Billiton’s expression of interest in the Barbados energy sector and the further strengthening of commercial ties by the possibility of such a venture. He also spoke of representation by Barbados nationals at World Youth Day held in Australia and the visits by senior Barbados government officials for discussions in Canberra.

The High Commissioner also gave favourable mention of key visits to Barbados during 2008 by Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, H.E. Mr Robert Hill; Ms Lynelle Briggs, Head of the Australian Public Service Commission; the Australian Under-16 Cricket Team; and, a good number of visitors from Australia to observe the West Indies-Australia Test match and ODIs at Kensington Oval.

Senator McClean said that Barbados attached great importance to its longstanding relationship with Australia, adding that Australia’s warm and open relationship with the Caribbean region had remained consistent over the years.

Jump Rope for Heart Banner Presentation

(Pictured here) Students demonstrate their jump rope skills, (seated left to right)

Mr Robert Gopaul, District Schools Supervisor Ministry of Education; Ms Irtha Daniel, Communications Officer Trinidad and Tobago Alliance for Sport and, Physical Education (TTASPE); Australian High Commissioner Philip Kentwell; and Mr Mark Mungal, President and Tobago Alliance for Sport and Physical Education (TTASPE).

On 23 January, 2009 Australian High Commissioner H.E. Mr Philip Kentwell presented the Jump Rope for Heart (JRFH) banner to the Carapichaima R.C. School in Central Trinidad. The Jump Rope for Heart program is a national childhood obesity prevention initiative, funded by the Australian Sport Outreach Program (ASOP) and implemented by the Trinidad and Tobago Alliance for Sport and Physical Education (TTASPE). It is designed to encourage and educate mainly primary school aged children, on the importance of healthy lifestyle activities and proper nutrition. This is achieved by combining the simple low-cost, indoor-outdoor physical activity of jumping rope, with an integrated curriculum approach that has the potential to include health education into all the other subject areas.

In the last two years, the Carapichaima R.C. School has demonstrated an outstanding enthusiasm and commitment to JRFH. This year, TTASPE presented a JRFH banner to the school, to show its appreciation to the students involved and to continue encouraging students in the JRFH program.

Since its establishment five years ago, the JRFH program has benefited students of fifty primary schools throughout Trinidad and Tobago. The program has also been implemented regionally in seven schools in Anguilla, fourteen schools in St Vincent and the Grenadines, fifty schools in St Lucia and four in Grenada.

(Pictured left) Australian High Commissioner Philip Kentwell is warmly greeted and welcomed by students at the Carapichaima R.C. School

(Pictured here) A young student impresses Australian High Commissioner H.E Philip Kentwell and Mr Mark Mungal, TTASPE President with his jumping skills in and out of a hoop held by other students.

NEW PROCEDURES FOR AUSTRALIANS TRAVELLING TO THE US

From 12 January 2009 Australians travelling to the United States of America will be required to follow new border entry procedures.

All Australian passport-holders eligible to travel to the US under that country’s Visa Waiver Program must, before they travel, obtain approval through the US’ Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). This also applies to passport-holders from other countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program.

ESTA is an online system administered by the United States Government which determines the preliminary eligibility of visitors to travel under the Visa Waiver Program prior to boarding a carrier to the United States. ESTA has been operating on a voluntary basis since 1 August 2008 and will become compulsory on 12 January 2009.

The ESTA website is at: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. Prospective travellers will be required to provide basic biographic, travel and eligibility information online in order to receive authorisation prior to their departure. There is no charge to complete the application.

Most travellers can expect to receive authorisation within a few minutes. However, travellers are advised to complete an ESTA as soon as they begin to plan their travel, and at least three days in advance, to avoid any last-minute delays. Travellers who do not have a valid ESTA on or after 12 January 2009 may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing or be denied admission at a United States port of entry. Once granted, electronic pre-clearance will be valid for up to two years and for multiple-entry visits to the United States.

It is recommended that travellers keep a print-out or record of their ESTA application number for reference, if required, at airports or seaports.

Australian passport-holders who hold a valid visa for travel to the United States are not required to obtain an ESTA.

For more information, read the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s travel bulletin “United States-New Entry Requirements” at www.smartraveller.gov.au which contains more detailed information about ESTA and links to the relevant US Government websites.

The United States offers a visa information service on 1800 687 844 (charges apply).

What is the Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program allows eligible visitors from Australia and other participating countries to travel to the United States for business or pleasure for 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa.

Chef Du Mission Reception for Caribbean Games 2009

Pictured left to right Mr Anthony Feeney, acting High Commissioner; Mr Brian Lewis, Board Member Caribbean Games 2009 Local Organising Committee; Mr Larry Romany, President of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee; The Hon Gary Hunt MP, Trinidad and Tobago Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs; and, Mr Francis Williams-Smith, Chief Executive Officer Caribbean Games 2009.


On 10 November 2008, the Australian High Commission hosted a reception to mark the occasion of the Local Organising Committee Chef de Mission Seminar in preparation for the Caribbean Games 2009. National Olympic Committee representatives from 23 Caribbean countries were in Trinidad to attend the seminar held 9-12 November 2008.

In his remarks, Mr Anthony Feeney, acting High Commissioner said the Australian High Commission was delighted to have the opportunity to host the reception because if there was one enduring people-to-people bond between Australia and countries of the Caribbean, it was sport. He reminded guests of the role of the Australian Sports Outreach Program (ASOP), an initiative managed by the Australian Sports Commission, contributing to developing sport including countries of this region.

The evening also reinforced Australia’s commitment to effective multilateral dialogue and institutions, and its wish to continue working closely with the nations of the world to meet the challenges of the future. One example of Australia’s commitment to multilateralism was the election of Mr John Fahey in 2008 to head the World Anti-Doping Association (WADA). The acting High Commissioner took the opportunity to thank the countries of the Caribbean for their support in Mr Fahey’s election, and to note Australia’s candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2013-2014 term.

In photo (left to right) Mr Keith Joseph, Technical Manager Caribbean Games 2009 and Mr Cecil Forde, President of Boxing Federation of Trinidad and Tobago.

In photo (left to right) Mr Anthony Feeney, acting High Commissioner for Australia and Mr Adrian Lorde, Member of the Medical Commission of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC)

WOMEN POLICE OFFICERS VISIT AUSTRALIA

Pictured( left to right) Joan Nunes, Inspector Court and Process South Division; Corporal Ann Marie George-Hospedales, TTAWP Treasurer; Wendy Wilkinson, TTAWP Immediate Past President; His Excellency Philip Kentwell; Christine McMillan, Vice President TTAWP and Acting Senior Superintendent; Constable Annmarie Moore, Southern Division Officer; Sergeant Charmyn Bovell,
2nd Division Officer; and, Lesley-Ann Atwell, Retired Constable. Missing delegation members were Inspector Patsy Joseph, TTAWP President and Ann Duncan, Retired Superintendent and IAWP Region 17 Co-ordinator.



In September 2008, The International Association of Women Police (IAWP) hosted its annual training conference in Darwin, Australia. The conference theme was "Policing New Territory" addressing the treatment of crime and diversity with a particular focus on indigenous communities.

The Trinidad and Tobago Association of Women Police (TTAWP) was represented by a nine member delegation from the Trinidad and Tobago Association of Women Police and the International Association of Women Police.

Prior to their departure, several officers paid a courtesy call to the Australian High Commissioner H.E. Philip Kentwell on 21 August 2008. The delegation used this opportunity to discuss the association’s active support for the International Association of Women Police