Government Information Service

by Emmanuel H. Joseph
Government Information Service

“This has been a long awaited thing for the unit and rest assured, ladies and gentlemen, people of Dominica that we will use it to the best of our ability to take care of it as we are dedicated to saving lives, first and foremost. We will also continue to combat the illegal activities around our country. I assure you that the men and women of the Marine Unit are dedicated to this mission and we are going to win.”

Those were the words of a coast guard officer as he spoke at a special ceremony on Wednesday 4th March, 2009 to officially welcome the MV Dominique to Dominica’s shores. The new security patrol vessel arrived that same Wednesday afternoon from the United States and was blessed by Fr. Thomas.

Eleven (11) months ago, the Government of Dominica entered into a contract with Sea Ark Marine Incorporated to supply the Marine Unit of the Dominica Police Force with a patrol vessel. The construction of the 40 foot vessel was completed within nine months.

Hobbes Jno. Baptiste, Acting Commissioner of the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force, assured the Government that the vessel will be used appropriately used to the extent of their abilities.

“This versatile vessel is equipped with all the modern amenities and equipment for the safety and comfort of the officers who will be operating it and to provide the services for which it is being commissioned. We want to assure the Government and the people of Dominica that this vessel will be cared for, maintained and appropriately used to the extent of our abilities. Our search and rescue and drug interdiction capabilities have certainly received a needed boost.”

Hon. Matthew Walter, Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, told those present at the ceremony that the vessel will go a long way towards combating illegal activities that take place on the sea which do have an adverse effect on land.

Former National Security Minister, Hon. Rayburn Blackmore, who is the current Minister for Public Works and Infrastructural Development, played a lead role in appealing for the purchase of the new vessel. The Roosevelt Skerrit administration has given a commitment to provide the Dominica police force with the necessary tools to fight crime.

The 1.7 million dollar (XCD$ 1 700 000.00) vessel was funded by the ALBA fund.