Interceptors to play critical role, says Joseph
PORT SPAIN
Trinidad & Tobago Express
Petroleumworldtt.com
04 10 09
The ten interceptor vessels which were handed over to the Defence Force yesterday, by National Security Minister Martin Joseph, would be playing a "critical role in providing water-side security for the various high-value assets and for the heads of state who will be in Trinidad and Tobago during the Fifth Summit of the Americas, which takes place next Friday to Sunday.
So said Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard Jeewah Ramoutar as he addressed the handing-over ceremony at Staubles Bay, Chaguaramas, yesterday.
Joseph, who gave the feature address at the function, said Trinidad and Tobago has had to satisfy its international partners that security arrangements for the presidents and prime ministers of the 33 participating countries were "robust, effective and consistent with what obtains at a world-class event". Therefore, there can be no compromise on the security arrangements that have been agreed to for the summit, he stressed.
Joseph said the interceptors, "without a doubt", were efficient tools which could go everywhere that other "illegal" pirogues can go. "Working in tandem with the 360-degree coastal radar surveillance systems, these ten vessels will strengthen the security blanket around both Trinidad and Tobago and provide greater insulation from drugs and gun-runners," he said.
Both Joseph and Ramoutar began their addresses by paying tribute to Coast Guard officer Jerome James, who went missing last Saturday during an operational exercise on the North Coast. "I wish to express my sympathies to and prayers for his family at this time. While I know that it has been five days since his disappearance, I pray and hope for his safe recovery and return," Joseph said. Ramoutar said he wanted to assure James' family and the public that the Coast Guard was doing everything in its power to locate him.
Joseph, who also commissioned the Defence Force Headquarters Command and Control Centre and Conference Room at Chaguaramas yesterday, said the Government was due to receive the six fast patrol boats at the end of this year and was also in the process of acquiring four fixed-wing aircraft.
Noting that the police must also have maritime capabilities, Joseph added that the re-establishment of the Police Marine Branch was receiving the urgent attention of his ministry.
Story
by
Ria Taitt
from Trinidad & Tobago
Express
Trinidad & Tobago Express
Friday, April 10th 2009
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