NEW YORK.- The United States Government will contribute US$79 million in fiscal year 2011 to support public safety programs in the Dominican Republic and other Caribbean countries grouped in CARICOM, said the State Department’s International Programs Information Office in a statement yesterday.

The amount is part of Washington’s economic commitment within the strategy known as the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) aimed at forging an alliance  between the United States and the region, adopted in the 5th Summit of the Americas held in April last year in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago.

For the U.S., the increase in violence and crime are closely linked to drug trafficking in Caribbean basin countries and pose a security threat to its respective countries.  President Barack Obama himself has said that too many people in the Americas live in fear and that the zone’s violence and insecurity cannot be tolerated.

It said since 2008 the Caribbean governments agreed to carry out a joint regional strategy and common operative efforts, and continue adhering to Obama’s call for greater cooperation. “A firm political will by all parts will benefit the implementation of an effective common cause in this critical issue.”

The Department  State stresses that more than a series of programs, the alliance will be of constant collaboration to help develop the Caribbean nations’ capacities to face common and related challenges.

Originally the U.S. Government allocated US$45 million and Congress added another US$37 million for fiscal year 2010, to fight drug trafficking and organized crime, bolster the state of Law and promote social justice.

For 2011 the White House plans to contribute US$79 million and expects approval in both houses of Congress.