[UPDATED] Coast Guard launches command centre after US$1.6m donation

The Coast Guard has received equipment valued at US$1.6 million from the US government to coincide with the launch of its newly refurbished maritime operations command centre.

US Ambassador Candace Bond and National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds attended a handing over ceremony for the equipment at Staubles Bay in Chaguaramas on Friday.

The donation includes four riverine craft and satellite equipment, which Hinds said would strengthen TT’s national security landscape.

Hinds said the modernised operations centre used radar and satellite imagery, along with other technologies, to monitor vessel traffic and identify and track threats within TT’s maritime borders.

"This is done by integrating data and information from a range of sources through multiple applications. The upgraded command centre can now leverage this technology to…provide a more comprehensive picture of maritime activity in jurisdictional waters around TT.”

Hinds said the vessels and equipment were part of the government’s focus on “further professionalising” the defence force by providing cutting edge technologies to cope with threats.

Speaking to the US ambassador, he said, “We do have some riverine inlets used by those who perpetrate inclusion into our space and we are confident that your donation of these vessels put us in a much stronger position to fortify our positions in these inlets.”

Hinds described the donation as “timely” in the fight against trafficking rings.

“Countries across the world face threats to national security brought on by transnational criminal activity including trafficking of guns, ammunition, narcotics and people." he warned.

"It is clear to us that only through deep and meaningful co-operation with regional entities and international partners that we will be able to develop and implement effective solutions.”

Bond agreed that combating illicit tracking was an issue of grave concern.

“The goal of strengthening maritime domain awareness is important for the security of our hemisphere.”

She said the donations were a sign of growing security co-operation between TT and the US adding, “The region is a safer and more-prosperous place when the US and TT work together to confront shared challenges.”

Hinds said the donation put TT “in a much stronger position” regarding border security.

He expressed gratitude for the continued collaboration between US and TT.

“The ministry remains committed to ongoing projects with the US and will support expanded areas of collaboration all towards increasing safety for all in TT and this region which we share.”

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

The Coast Guard has received equipment valued at US$1.6 million from the US government to coincide with the launch of its new maritime operations command centre.

US ambassador Candace Bond and National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds attended this morning’s ribbon-cutting event at Staubles Bay in Chaguaramas.

The donation includes four riverine craft, which Hinds said will strengthen TT’s national security landscape.

He described the US$1.6 million donation of equipment as “timely” in the fight against trafficking rings.

“Countries across the world face threats to national security brought on by transnational criminal activity including trafficking of guns, ammunition, narcotics and people..." he warned. "It is clear to us that only through deep and meaningful co-operation with regional entities and international partners that we will be able to develop and implement effective solutions.”