THE BARBADOS COAST GUARD now has a new point from which it can launch assaults on crime, thanks to the United States Southern Command.
As part of Exercise Tradewinds 2012, the United States forces have facilitated the building of a pier at a cost of more than $200 000 by local company Marenco Ltd.
Speaking at the official opening yesterday at the Barbados Coast Guard headquarters HMBS Pelican, Barbados Defence Force (BDF) Chief of Staff Colonel Alvin Quintyne said that while the pier was primarily built for Exercise Tradewinds, its use would continue long afterwards – and not just for the Coast Guard.
“[We have] an array of small vessels which would have been seized over the years in our territorial waters and it is from this new small boat pier that I expect not only the Barbados Coast Guard but also the Marine Police to launch on a daily basis, dominate our maritime space and, where necessary, to return to this said pier with similar vessels, thereby removing that scourge of illicit trafficking of illegal drugs from our waters,” he said.
Major General John Croley, commander of the US Marine Forces South, said the enduring materials which made up the pier were symbolic of the strong relationship between the United States and Barbados. (CA)
Here, military personnel, including BDF Chief of Staff Alvin Quintyne (left), commander of the US Marine Forces South, Major General John Croley (third left), and Marenco Ltd representatives inspecting the new pier.
