TERRORISM TASK GROUP HOLDS EXERCISE AND BRIEFS ISLAND

UNCLAS CURACAO 000297 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED CARACAS FOR RSO BRIDGETOWN FOR LEGATT E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER CASC ASEC NA SUBJECT: TERRORISM TASK GROUP HOLDS EXERCISE AND BRIEFS ISLAND OFFICIALS ¶1. (SBU) In order to promote greater understanding of the threat posed by transnational terrorism in the Netherlands Antilles and to exercise island response to an incident, Curacao's Terrorist Incident Response Plan (TIRP) Task Group held a half day brief for senior government officials and conducted a table top exercise. Key island officials and the Commander of Dutch Forces in the Caribbean attended the briefing as well as Chief of Mission. The presentation included a briefing by the Netherlands Antilles Security Service on transnational terrorism groups which are potential threats to the Netherlands Antilles followed by a table top exercise involving a cruise ship being taken over by terrorists. ¶2. (SBU) The island's Terrorist Incident Response Plan ("TIRP") Task Group was formed in fall 2005 on recommendation of the Ministers of Justice of the Netherlands, the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba. A representative from ConGen Curacao, post's FSNI, has participated on the task force from its inception and is the only foreign entity invited. ¶3. (SBU) The TIRP raises awareness on terrorism issues with local stakeholders and advises the Island Governor on steps to take in the event of terrorist threat or attack. In 2006, the first draft of a Terrorist Incident Response Plan for Curagao was completed and submitted to the Island Governor, Attorney General and Chief of Police. Similar plans are being prepared for Bonaire and St. Maarten. ¶4. (SBU) Comment. US participation in this group is unique and is indicative of the GONA's desire to take advantage of USG expertise in contingency planning as well as their realization that any terrorist incident on the islands would likely involve U.S. citizens. Discussion during the table top exercise was frank and lively with participants realizing early on the need for outside assistance (Dutch and likely US) in such an event. SORENSON