As the 58 years of partnership with Jamaica and Japan continue to grow, the Japan Embassy gifted the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) one of six marine vessels earmarked to help enhance the island’s maritime security and response measures earlier today on Wednesday, October 5.
Held at the Marine Police Headquarters, the handing-over ceremony saw the attendance of Commissioner of Police, Major General Antony Anderson, who sang praises to the hard work of Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, The Hon Kamina Johnson Smith, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Matoshi Akimoto, Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security, The Hon Zavia Mayne and other government officials who made this happen.
During his remarks, Anderson highlighted the importance of the vessels not only for the marine division but for the island’s safety and security.
“The whole issue of smuggling and infiltration of our borders is a large issue for us and we work hand in glove with the JDF Coast Guard in dealing with this trafficking through our maritime space and into our 245 informal ports around the country,” stated Anderson.
He further explained that a lot of this work is done by the coast guard and police who work onshore and close to the ports policing type work at sea to get that covered it this requires partnership.
“One of the keys to what we do, we have to be able to set sail, we have to go to sea and we have to have the kit and equipment required to do our job. This gift of the rubber hull inflatable boat will go a long way in assisting us to do that,” expressed Anderson.
In agreement is Mr Matoshi Akimoto, who reminded the JCF that there are more things to come from their partnership as they near their 60th celebration in 2024.
“In addition to the rubber hull inflatable boat to be handed over today three patrol boats are scheduled to arrive in Jamaica at the end of January next year,” expressed Akimoto.
Akimoto hopes that these vessels will strengthen the JCF security activities to detect offshore criminal activities and shore water accidents.
