High-powered speed boats for Coast Guard

Minister of National Security Howard Chin Lee said yesterday that his ministry is negotiating for the procurement of five fast interceptors Coast Guard vessels and two 60-metre offshore patrol boats to replace the existing vessels of the Coast Guard. He said that with financial assistance from the United States, under the International Narcotics Law Enforcement Agreement, two of the fast interceptors are already on the production line while the government will meet the required funding for the purchase of the remaining additions to the new fleet. The Minister made the disclosure during his address at the passing out parade at the 41st recruit intake of the Coast Guard at Staubles Bay. “In anticipation of this increased surface fleet, my Ministry is finalising plans for the refurbishment of the existing jetty and the construction of a new deep-water jetty at Staubles Bay,” said Minister Chin Lee. He said the project is expected to begin in the last quarter of the year and when completed, will provide additional berth space for vessels of all sizes in excess of the 82 feet, including larger vessels that will require deeper water as well as berthing length and manoeuvrability.

Minister Chin Lee also revealed that plans are afoot to create a first class Branch of the Coast Guard’s Air Wing with well-trained pilots, crew and technicians. “This will allow the Air Wing to play a more strategic role in drug interdiction, search and rescue operations and support the oil and gas industry through plant and pipeline surveillance. “The INL Agreement also facilitated training programmes for the Air Wing and to date, pilots have been exposed to refresher courses in emergency procedure while line maintenance personnel and Navajo pilots were also provided with technical training,” said Chin Lee. He revealed that another area that is being addressed is the security network and the Coast Guard has approval from Government to increase its personnel on a phased basis to over 1,000 sailors and 100 officers. These increases will manifest itself in local areas, particularly in Tobago, Galeota and Cedros. He commended the graduates for choosing the TT Coast Guard and told them that they represent the largest intake of recruits to have ever been inducted in recent years. “Not only is it an indication of a great desire to join a noble career but speaks loudly of a renewed spirit of determination among young men and women of the military and protective services. He congratulated best male recruit Marvin Richardson and Best Female recruit Amanda Gould.