The Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) and the Virgin Islands Fusion Center have announced the successful conclusion of the territory’s first Emerging Threats Symposium.
On Thursday, Nov. 30, and Friday, Dec. 1, the Fusion Center hosted organizations from both private and public sectors to participate in presentations and tabletop exercises related to emerging threats and intelligence gathering. The symposium was held on St. Thomas, but stakeholders from the entire territory were present.
On the first day of the two-day symposium, attendees were treated to presentations from representatives of the Department of Homeland Security, Drug Enforcement Administration, Virgin Islands Fusion Center, Virgin Islands Department of Health and the United States Postal Service.
Some of the topics discussed were threats related to mass migration, maritime security, and suspicious activity reporting. On day two, tabletop exercises were held as mock security threat exercises incorporating a multi-agency response utilizing the information shared during the first day as well as regular agency standards of operation.
Virgin Islands Fusion Center Director Wayne Bryan said, “From a law enforcement perspective, emerging threats are no longer just perpetrated by local actors. We see global threats every day and the Fusion Center is an active partner in gathering vital intelligence and sharing with our federal and local law enforcement partners as well as key private sector stakeholders. This new annual symposium ensures that we maintain a solid and cohesive network of partners to combat the ever-changing landscape of emerging threats.”
“As the territorial emergency management agency, VITEMA is committed to preparedness for not just natural hazards and disasters but also those that are manmade. We provide access to information and vital resources to optimize our community’s ability to be prepared, stay informed and remain vigilant. This symposium is just another way we serve our territory in this manner, specifically within the law enforcement arena. We are grateful for the support of our federal partners and the community for assisting us in hosting the first in what will surely become an important annual event for us,” said Virgin Islands Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) Director Daryl Jaschen.
