Glenroy Sinclair, Staff ReporterThe JAMAICA Defence Force (JDF) Coast Guard was on Wednesday given a refurbished 39-foot go-fast boat by the United States Government to help the island in its fight against the narcotics trade.
Equipped with radar, three powerful engines, siren, flashing blue lights and Global Positioning System (GPS), the keys of the vessel were handed over to Colonel Stewart Saunders of the JDF by the U.S. Ambassador Sue Cobb. The handing over took place during a brief ceremony aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Gentian, which was docked at the military base in Port Royal, East Kingston.
Reports are that this go-fast boat was seized sometime ago in Nicaragua, while on a drug mission.
FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT
The vessel, which was built in Colombia, was later refurbished by the U.S. Government. Apart from the boat, the United States Coast Guard also donated engineering parts which include fuel filters, rebuilt kits, heat exchanger, belts, starter motor, A/C compressor, radiator core and cylinder.
The military men also received life rings and strobes, life jackets, towing lines, mooring lines and fiberglass repair kits. The fire fighting equipment include helmet, boots and gloves.
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Gentian is a ship sponsored by U.S. State Department, U.S. Southern Command, and U.S. Coast Guard that delivers cargo and equipment and supports multinational exercises and assists in disaster relief operations across the Caribbean.
The international crew includes personnel from maritime services of countries throughout the Caribbean region, who also provide a variety of training to maritime military units throughout participating Caribbean countries.
