THE EDITOR, Sir:WE FEEL compelled to address certain points in your article "Contraband Floodgate?" published in The Sunday Gleaner of May 18, 2003.
Firstly, we would welcome the deployment of the Marine Police and Coast Guard to the wharf as this would no doubt serve to further enhance the security concerns expressed.
We have always cooperated fully with the Black River Police in carrying out their duties with respect to activities on the wharf. In fact, they have been given a key to the premises to allow unimpeded access. We have also requested extra surveillance and police patrols for the area.
We are not aware that an order to close operations at the wharf has been given. Fishing boats have been operating out of Black River since the late 1970s with varying degrees of regularity and numbers. If such a port is illegal, then why have Customs and Immigration agents been clearing foreign nationals and collecting duties on fish brought into the port? This occurred as recently as last week.
I am, etc.,
ANTHONY HENDRIKS
P.O. Box 7
Black River
St. Elizabeth
