Minister of National Security Dr. Peter Phillips (right) signs a contract to provide the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) with 40 new boats for the marine police while Cordel Samuels (left), managing director of Jamaica Marine World (JMW) and Linval Bailey, deputy commissioner of police, look on. The signing took place at the National Security Minister's office on Oxford Road, St. Andrew. - Norman Grindley/ Deputy Chief Photographer
THE FLEET at the Marine Police Division is set to be improved at a cost of more than $325 million.
Minister of National Security Dr. Peter Phillips yesterday signed a contract with a United States-based company for the purchase of 40 new boats.
"The first batch of about six is expected to arrive in the island over the next six to eight weeks," Dr. Phillips told journalists yesterday.
EXPANSION
Deputy commissioner in charge of operations, Linval Bailey, welcomed the news and said the police are now looking at expanding the sub-stations to monitor the coastline.
Newly-appointed Assistant Commis-sioner Paul Robinson, who will be working closely with the marine police, said his team will be working together with the other agencies, such as the Port Authority of Jamaica.
He stressed that the main concern at the moment was the coastal waters of Portland and Jamaica's south coast. The aim is to reduce the inflow of illegal guns, ammunition and narcotics.
