BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – America’s highest ranking diplomat in the Eastern Caribbean is hailing the security partnership between the United States and the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
“This partnership is underscored by the cooperative working relationship between the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force, and especially its Coast Guard, and the United States military and law enforcement agencies. You all have been strong partners, and have taken an aggressive stance to keep this region safe from illicit narcotics trafficking and other threats to the maritime borders of our shared region,” said the United States Ambassador accredited to St. Kitts and Nevis, His Excellency Mr. Larry Palmer.
In officially presenting two fine 33-foot Defender Class SAFE interceptor vessels and other equipment worth over US$1.5 million to the Coast Guard Unit on Tuesday afternoon, Mr. Palmer said the equipment includes a robust communications system; training and technical support; a heavy duty pick-up truck; and a period of maintenance, repair and spare parts to help develop a domestic capacity to maintain these maritime assets.
“The interceptor boats and the installed communications systems will provide St. Kitts and Nevis with a distinct edge in detecting, tracking and pursuing suspects, and will facilitate operational efficiency between nations,” he told officials at the handing over ceremony at the Coast Guard Base at Bird Rock.
St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas (left) and United States Ambassador to St.Kitts and Nevis His Excellency Larry Palmer walk along the pier to board PB5 Oualie Bay. Photo by Erasmus Williams
Ambassador Palmer told officials including St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas; Chief Secretary, Mr. Joseph Edmeade; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Elvis Newton; Commander of the St. Kitts-Nevis Defence Force, Lt. Col. Patrick Wallace and Commissioner of Police, Mr. C.G. Walwyn that the maritime support package is only part of the long-term United States commitment to support of St. Kitts and Nevis’ on-going capacity building efforts to increase the country’s national security.
“Since the launch of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative in 2009, the United States has committed more than US$2.5 million in direct bilateral assistance to St. Kitts and Nevis to reduce illicit trafficking and increase public safety,” said Ambassador Palmer.
The US official said he was most proud that the United States’ partnership with St. Kitts and Nevis is much broader than security.
“Our work together benefits both our nations and our shared Caribbean region as we strive shoulder to shoulder to better the lives of our citizens in the face of the innumerable challenges of today. Together, we are stronger and more resolute than we would be alone. As the United States Ambassador to your great country, I look forward to deepening this cooperative relationship,” said Ambassador Palmer, who is based in Barbados.
The heavy duty Pick-Up truck donated by the United States Government. Photo by Erasmus Williams
