Andrew Wildes, Gleaner Writer
Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller converses with Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin during a tour of the 'HMJS Middlesex', which was commissioned on Friday during a ceremony held at HMJS Cagway, the Jamaica Defence Force coast guard base in Port Royal.
PRIME MINISTER Portia Simpson Miller has pledged to be strong and unflinching in fighting against the illegal drug trade that plagues Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Mrs. Simpson Miller, who also holds the Defence portfolio, was speaking to a group of army personnel and international dignitaries at the commissioning ceremony of the HMJS Middlesex at the Jamaica Defence Force's base in Port Royal on the weekend.
The new state-of-the-art ship is the second of three custom-built ships being acquired to improve the coast guard's surveillance capabilities.
"I intend to be very serious, and very tough, and very firm in the defence of our country, and in dealing with the whole problem of drug trafficking and the protection of our waters," the Prime Minister said.
TO WORK WITH
REGIONAL HEADS
She also said she would be working closely with other regional heads of government to coordinate a defence against the trafficking of illicit drugs, which she noted is a US$322 billion industry.
"We are relying on you to strike a deadly blow against the drug trade and ensure victory for our countries and peoples in our region," the Prime Minster charged the soldiers.
The particular areas that will benefit from the purchase of these new vessels include the patrolling of the island's coastal and territorial waters for illegal activity, search and rescue operations in relation to natural disasters, and monitoring of the maritime environment for pollution control.
The three new ships, which cost a total of US$30 million, are being built by Damen Shipyards of the Netherlands.
The package also includes the refurbishment of an existing vessel, training of coast guard personnel, as well as a support and spare parts package for the short to medium term.
The third vessel, HMJS Surrey, is slated to arrive in June.
