Pubdate: Fri, 18 Jul 2008 Source: Sun St. Kitts and Nevis (Antigua) Copyright: 2008 SUN Printing & Publishing LTD Contact: http://sunstkitts.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4295 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart