JDF to Receive $182 Million for Surveillance Vessels

A sum of $182.12 million has been assigned to the Ministries of National Security, and Justice to purchase surveillance vessels for the Jamaica Defence Force, during the 2007/08 fiscal period. The provision has been made in the Estimates of Expenditure, which is now before the House of Representatives.
The objective of the project is to enhance Jamaica’s offshore capabilities and to fulfil the Government’s commitment to strengthen Jamaica’s border control, as part of the anti-crime and anti-drug initiatives.
Achievements up to December 2006 include the purchase of three vessels and ongoing training of Coast Guard personnel. The initial targets envisaged include the purchase of three off shore surveillance vessels and the provision of training, technical assistance, spare parts, and maintenance. The duration of the project is April 2004 to September 2006.