THE US Embassy in Nassau has donated nearly half a million dollars worth of equipment to support local efforts to bolster maritime security.
US Charg� d’Affaires John Dinkelman, Minister of National Security Bernard Nottage, his State Minister Keith Bell, Commodore of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Roderick Bowe and other senior US and Bahamian government officials participated in the handover ceremony at the RBDF Harbour Patrol Unit on East Bay Street.
Valued at $431,000, the donation was made possible by the US Embassy’s Office of Defence Co-operation (ODC) and the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM).
The equipment includes a top of the line 25-foot full cabin (Secure All-around Flotation Equipped) SAFE response vessel, a two-year supply of spare parts and a two-week training course for RBDF marines to enhance border security.
In his remarks, Charg� Dinkelman noted that the equipment will be used to enhance border security, better protect Bahamian citizens as well as the millions of tourists who visit the Bahamas on cruise ships each year.
“This donation is only the most recent of many examples of the continuing United States commitment to support and assist the Defence Force in their unwavering efforts to protect and defend the Bahamas,” Charg� Dinkelman said. “Despite difficult fiscal times, we intend to continue our investments in this great partnership for we cannot waiver in our resolve to confront and defeat the threats that affect both our nations.”
Since August of 2011, more than $1.1 million in military equipment and training has been provided to the RBDF through the United States Foreign Military Financing Programme.
In his address, Minister Nottage acknowledged the generosity of the US Embassy through the Foreign Military Financing Programme.
He said it stands as a major testament to the commitment and tremendous support of the United States government in the continued fight against transnational threats.
“The addition of this 25-foot full cabin response boat not only adds operational value to the sustainability of the Defence Force’s security efforts, but also ensures that the Defence Force maintains a competitive advantage within the Bahamas’ maritime domain.” Minister Nottage said.
“It is critical to note that the response boat will operate primarily within Nassau’s Harbour supplementing the Defence Force’s existing harbour patrol vessels and ensuring the safety and security of thousands of visitors and the economic viability of the Bahamas’ tourism product.”
Comments
SP 10 years, 9 months ago
Thank you U.S....Very much appreciated!
Now will these clowns make proper use and maintain the vessels?......History says.....?????
Reality_Check 10 years, 9 months ago
Pittance from a developed country drowning in debt!
carlh57 10 years, 9 months ago
And like the rest of "donated goods" to the Bahamas, after the 2 years of parts and service run out it will go into disrepair and decay (thanks to the bahamian govt for not putting funding where it is so desperately needed)....doesn't matter what is "given", it won't be used efficiently, effectively or cared for.....
B_I_D___ 10 years, 9 months ago
Bingo!!
Gen1usBahamian 10 years, 9 months ago
“This donation is only the most recent of many examples of the continuing United States commitment to support and assist the Defence Force in their unwavering efforts to protect and defend the Bahamas,” Charg� Dinkelman said. “Despite difficult fiscal times, we intend to continue our investments in this great partnership for we cannot waiver in our resolve to confront and defeat the threats that affect both our nations.” HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!! Yea, how about that!! WOW!!! makes me wanna take a weeks trip to Colorado, you know they have the legal "trees" there, the same ones this vessel will probably be used for to fight, kill and further disenfranchise Bahamian Citizens and produce even more CRIMINALS aka BLACK MEN, you know how America LOVES black men just look at how they treat their own POTUS! KML HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH LOLOLOLOLOL Making money hand over fist huh? Bahamians, where all these guns in our streets come from? So whose next to pacify and protect American Business interest in The Bahamas? Huh? Browning? Smith & Wesson? Who? How about bulletproof vest for all the Business owners on Bay Street etc while Bahamian Citizens "over Da Hill" STARVE AND SLAUGHTER EACH OTHER WITH ONE AMERICA'S #1 EXPORT PRODUCT, WEAPONS? If GWB know about the "Drug Kinpin" am sure they know about the "Gun Kinpin" but guess what Bahamas? You can't make guns, or LEGALLY grow WEED! Bahamas we are being crapped on and being told its rain, How can 90 Knowles and the others, be extradited for dangerous drugs, that a human being 9 times out of 10 have to take by THEMSELVES! but Bahamians are being shoot down in the streets likes dogs, with dangerous weapons 9 times out of ten, in the Bahamas, is used on a VICTIM???? (and I use that "victim" word very, very loosely) Oh, I forget, THANK YOU, AND MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA!
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