THE UPGRADING of the local Coastguard fleet took shape on Thursday with the delivery of the first of three new offshore surveillance vessels. Prime Minister P.J. Patterson who gave the main address at the naming and commissioning ceremony said the acquisition of the vessels represents the largest single investment in the Coastguard since its formation in 1963.He said the package included the purchase of three new vessels built by Damen Shipyards of the Netherlands, the refurbishment of an existing vessel, training of Coastguard personnel, as well as a support and spare parts package for the short to medium term. He said the first vessel that has been named the HMJS Cornwall was delivered within budget and three months ahead of schedule.
AREAS TO BENEFIT
The critical areas to benefit from the acquisition of the vessels include the patrolling of the island's coastal and territorial waters for illegal activity, search and rescue operations in relation to natural disasters, and monitoring of the maritime environment for pollution control. Mr. Patterson said the inability of Jamaica and its Caribbean neighbours to effectively deal with problems relating to drug trafficking placed the region in a precarious position that exposed countries to other illegal activities including arms trafficking and human smuggling.
The Prime Minister said Jamaica has paid a high price for the drugs trade which he said was responsible for approximately 60 per cent of total murders in 2004, as well as for several robberies and shootings.
Mr. Patterson said the acquisition of this new class of vessels was an important part of the country's comprehensive national and regional security strategy. The vessel, which is built of steel and aluminium superstructure, is fitted with state-of-the-art electronics and communications equipment, and active stabilisers to enhance its sea-keeping capabilities. The other vessels that are to be delivered in November and June 2006 will be named after the counties of Middlesex and Surrey.
