|
|
|
|
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
U.S. Embassy presents Royal Bahamas Police Force with State-of-the-Art Interceptor Vessel to Bolster Maritime Security
By US Embassy Bahamas
Mar 27, 2015 - 3:51:14 AM
|
Email this article
Mobile friendly page
|
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Lisa Johnson gives remarks during handover ceremony.
|
Nassau, Bahamas - On Monday, March 23, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Lisa Johnson, accompanied by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement’s Deputy Director for Western Hemisphere Programs Susan Snyder and other senior U.S. Government officials, participated in a formal handover ceremony of a state-of-the-art, fully-equipped 41’ Apostle Interceptor police vessel to the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) at the Marine Support Services Branch on Bay Street. The Bahamas Government delegation was led by Minister of National Security Dr. Bernard Nottage, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security Carl Smith and Acting Police Commissioner Anthony Ferguson.
This latest donation by the United States Embassy valued at more than $668,000 will increase the operational capacity of the RBPF to participate in interdiction operations under Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (OPBAT). The vessel, like the one dedicated on Grand Bahama in 2013, was built from the ground-up according to the requirements and specifications outlined by the RBPF.
Minister of National Security Dr. Bernard Nottage gives remarks during handover ceremony.
|
In her remarks at the ceremony, Chargé Johnson touted her expectations that the donation will improve OPBAT’s established track record of narcotics seizures. “With the addition of this advanced marine vessel, I expect more record-breaking years,” she said. “At the very least, we know this plus-up of marine resources will act as a deterrent to drug traffickers.”
Minister Nottage noted the importance of the acquisition of the new vessel in further enhancing the operational capabilities of the RBPF. “This commissioning ceremony serves as a testimony to the Governments of The Bahamas and the United States of America’s commitment to suppress and interdict illicit drugs and psychotropic substances as well as minimizing the impact of human and weapon smuggling in our archipelago,” he said.
Chargé d’Affaires Lisa Johnson and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security Carl Smith participate in the official signing ceremony.
|
The ceremony concluded with U.S. and Bahamian officials participating in a sea tour onboard the new vessel in Nassau Harbor. The new SAFE Boats International vessel transferred by the U.S. Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Section was made possible through the Caribbean Security Initiative (CBSI). CBSI is a shared security partnership between the United States and the Caribbean aimed at increasing citizen safety throughout the Caribbean by substantially reducing illicit trafficking, increasing public safety and security, and promoting social justice.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Lisa Johnson and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security Carl Smith shake hands following the formal signing ceremony.
|
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Lisa Johnson and Minister of National Security Dr. Bernard Nottage with senior U.S. and Bahamian government officials at the official handing over ceremony for the new interceptor vessel.
|
U.S. and Bahamian officials participate in a sea tour onboard the new vessel in Nassau Harbor.
|
U.S. and Bahamian officials participate in a sea tour onboard the new vessel in Nassau Harbor.
|
U.S. and Bahamian officials participate in a sea tour onboard the new vessel in Nassau Harbor.
|
NASSAU, The Bahamas -- The United States Embassy Charge d’Affaires, Ms. Lisa Johnson, presented the Minister of National Security the Hon. Dr. Bernard J. Nottage and the Royal Bahamas Police Force with a brand new 410 Apostle interceptor police vessel to assist in the interdiction of drugs, weapons & human trafficking through The Bahamas on Monday, March 23, 2015 at the Royal Bahamas Police Force Marine Support Services Branch located on Bay Street. Pictured near the vessel: at centre is the Minister of National Security Bernard Nottage (sixth left) and on either side of him, US Embassy Charge d’Affaires Lisa Johnson and Minister of State Senator the Hon. Keith Bell, with representatives of the US Embassy and the Royal Bahamas Police Force. (BIS Photo/Kristaan H. A. Ingraham)
|
© Copyright 2015 by thebahamasweekly.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
