Coastal security approach logical

The new approach to coastal lockdown seems very logical and promising. The proposed coast guard installations stringed around the island with support fast boats and helicopter overview will create a security net that will only further require dedicated personnel to implement on an ongoing basis.
Extreme care must be exercised in recruiting coast guard and other security staff who should submit to regular lie detector tests and other stringent reviews as rigorously as equipment is reviewed for safety and performance.

The far-flung OPV proliferation formerly proposed by the PNM administration was extravagantly inefficient. The wider the sea area extended, the more porous the capability became and ponderous in response.
The problems of illegal landing of goods, people and armaments will now be effectively restricted. The in-hand cache of guns, drugs and aliens must now be addressed to eradicate what remains to corrupt and endanger the society.

A meaningful reward system should be instituted for observant citizens prepared to report illegal activities involving arms, aliens and drugs. And when we see a real “Mr Big” being prosecuted for drugs that cannot be the initiative of the customarily prosecuted small fry, then we will know for sure that we have attained some level of national security finally. The mantra of the PNM was “spend,” the wisdom of the current administration is “spend effectively.” A welcome change.

MF Rahman
Via e-mail