PM Gaston Browne orders $2M watercraft to curb smuggling contrabands

Antigua and Barbuda is all set to welcome new watercraft worth $2M with a vision to assist with circumnavigation and to apprehend the criminals who are smuggling contraband through the bays and quays of the island nation.

The information about ordering the watercraft was confirmed by the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Brown who shared the picture of the vessel on his official Facebook account.

This step has been taken by the administration of the country in response to the frequent rise in the crime activities.

And, while shedding light on the newly ordered motorcar, PM Gaston Browne noted that this is just the initial step in their commitment to eradicating crime in the twin island nation. Notably, the Prime Minister addressed the nation on Tuesday, 20^th August 2024 and pledged to make several million dollars available to deal with increase in crime activity.

During his address, PM Gaston Browne promised to acquire two vessels to improve maritime surveillance of the porous maritime borders, which is proliferated with bays and quays that facilitate the smuggling of contraband including arms and ammunitions. The Prime Minister stated that out of those two vessels, one has been already ordered and the other one will soon be made available to the country.

Moreover, he also shed light on acquiring additional assets, ten additional surveillance drones to enhance law enforcement crime fighting capabilities and installing additional cameras on the streets, with superior technology to improve surveillance.

The Prime Minister stated that this initiative will be undertaken to address the recent upsurge in the violent crime in Antigua and Barbuda which has become a huge cause of concern for the safety and security of the residents of the country.

He stated that they as an administration cannot allow these criminal elements within the society to continue to terrorize the people of Antigua and Barbuda. He added that they have all the essential resources, expertise, equipment and superior intelligence to develop the strategies and programs in order to defeat these criminal elements.

And, for the same, PM Gaston Browne has also announced the acquisition of more vehicles for the police force, equipped with radios to facilitate a rapid response to incidents of crime and violence, in particular robberies.

PM Browne noted that they are resolute in their mission to protect every citizen of St Kitts and Nevis. Therefore, he has asked everyone to stand united in protecting the people from predators who threaten the peace in the community.