The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune

Why does the RBDF constantly suggests that they have such an enormous area to guard our borders, when in geographical reality it is about only 30% of the country, as the majority looks after itself?

Let us think – to the north we have an area east of Bimini to Grand Bahama and immediate surrounding water – not a vast area as with appropriate equipment on Bimini easily policed 24/7. It is more of an internal issue counter, smuggling of drugs and humans coming from Grand Bahama.

To South Inagua, the southern base of the RBDF to Haiti coast, is not an extraordinary space of the majority of Haitian smuggling sloops come from the western Providence. Is not the US providing coastal radar, and is not there going to be a means to track maritime shipping movements?

The US extensively patrols the passage between Cuba-Haiti through OBAT, one presumes the RBDF receives intel so really what does the RBDF patrol?

Reality is not much – but Haitian sloops slip past RBDF, Inagua and sail right into Coral Harbour or South Beach under the eyes of the RBDF and then we hear the excuses.

Why are we spending $millions on drones, when long range to horizon night vision binoculars would suffice…little or no maintenance which when it comes to the RBDF is an essential issue, as their record for maintenance is not good.

Such equipment could be placed on any island, and provide very adequate reconnaissance, especially with coastal radar as the Commodore empathized, is on-line to be installed around the islands.

Policing the Grand Bahama-Bimini area, requires “required” check-ins for all vessels at Bimini - anyone leaving or entering Grand Bahama must check-in to Customs. RBDF in Freeport and West End, you do not need drones to police that... just observant marines.

Question: The much heralded coastal radar in Inagua, is it in place and operational? Has the Command for HMBS Inagua been established?

We do not have the financial resources to satisfy, what seems to be an appetite for electronic toys. We need practical equipment which is hardened to not need maintenance…drones need extensive maintenance.

Keep it simple Mr Minister, it just might work!

L MURPHY

Nassau

January 28, 2019