US ASSISTANCE TIMELY AND WELCOME

The United States Navy offered some assistance to the Caribbean
region as the individual territories try to come to terms with the
potential dangers each may be exposed to through travel on the high
seas by a variety of entities. Right off the bat, one would feel
very safe in suggesting there are two key areas under extreme
scrutiny. There is, first of all, the scourge that is the
trans-shipment of illegal drugs and their accompanying arms and
ammunition. These have been known over the years to have a great
negative impact on the region, as matters relating to crime and the
erosion of countries' human resource base seem inextricably linked
one to the other.

The relation to crime and violence, however, would be a key concern
to all regional authorities who have seen a sharp escalation in
violent criminal activities around the region. Many associate this
with a reportedly, once thriving drug trade in the region and there
are several jurisdictions that claim to have records which show
violent crime increased steadily with the similar movement of the drug trade.

As people sought to control specific areas related to the trade, it
becomes necessary for them to maintain their ascendency through
violence and therefore the escalation of gun and therefore violent crimes.

There continues to be much concern on the part of international
travellers over terrorism, especially those who patronise vessels
that have United States interests. The possibility is indeed real
that terrorists could launch attacks against these interests,
thereby causing much damage to property as well as great loss of lives.

With these things in mind, the United States would find it in their
interest and in the interest of all countries of the Caribbean
region to get the regional security forces up to speed and keep them
in good order as they seek to head off any problems with drugs,
arms and ammunition and a particular brand of violence associated
with terrorism.

So, as much as the United States will be seen as protecting its
interests, its assistance is timely and welcome in this part of the
world as we try to stretch our very limited resources to tackle
crime both on land and at sea.

Mission Commander LCDR, Robert Greene, said for cruise ships or any
vessels to come into ports they require inspections and monitoring
of piers to guard against possible explosives or contrabands.

"We are working with the regional security systems drivers in the
Caribbean on providing training for those types of services and
capabilities to increase the overall capability in the region," Greene said.

He added that so far, there is no threat specifically in this region
and explained that the training is an overall requirement regardless
of which region they are occupying.

We bear this in mind but continue to be guided by an adage that an
ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure or maybe it adds
a better tone to this specific situation when we say to be
forewarned is to be forearmed.

Looking at the matter in a realistic way, we would have to admit
that the Caribbean islands with all of their beautifully rugged
coastlines can be quite vulnerable to those with criminal minds and
intent. Add this to the limited resources which do not allow for the
proper policing of our waters, then the value of the exercise in
question takes on a rather enormous value especially to those who
would recognise that it all forms a part of new crime fighting
initiatives aimed at arresting the present situation that may well
have received a great contribution from illegal drugs, arms
and ammunitions getting to the hands of our criminals straight off
the high seas compliments a new breed of pirates.