2005 END USE MONITORING - EASTERN CARIBBEAN

UNCLAS BRIDGETOWN 000209 SIPDIS INFO AMEMBASSY PORT OF SPAIN AMEMBASSY GRENADA STATE FOR INL/RM AND WHA/CAR SIPDIS E.O. 12958:N/A TAGS: SNAR AMGT XL SUBJECT: 2005 END USE MONITORING - EASTERN CARIBBEAN REF: SECSTATE 222564 -------------- SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. Embassy Bridgetown is responsible for the NAS- funded program in seven countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. It is also responsible for monitoring equipment provided to the French department of Martinique. The Narcotics Affairs Agent personally monitored equipment and met with police, Coast Guard, Defense Force, Financial Intelligence Units and other officials to review the use of equipment and services provided through NAS funding. Host government officials cooperated fully with end use inspections. END SUMMARY. -------------- Status -------------- -------------- ¶2. Antigua and Barbuda -------------- Computer Equipment - In 2005, NAS purchased six laptops for the Financial Services Regulatory Commission. The International Financial Sector Regulatory Authority (IFSRA) uses 14 computers, two servers, one network printer and one scanner. The Office of National Drug & Money Laundering Control Policy (ONDCP) equipment - 19 computers, three i2 Analyst's Notebooks, two servers, a plotter, four scanners and four printers are in good condition. The Defense Force uses one laptop. The Drug Squad uses one projector, their laptop has been sent out for repair. Vehicles - The Drug Squad's Canine Unit uses two 2001 Suzuki Carry vans with dog cages and they are in good condition. The Drug Squad's 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero needs an alternator. Their 1996 Jeep Cherokee has reached the end of its useful life. The 1999 Nissan Patrol purchased for the DARE Program works well. The ONDCP's 2003 Toyota Corolla and 2003 Suzuki Vitara wagon are in good condition. Vessels - The Coast Guard's H920 RHIB and 733 RHIB are working well. One Boston Whaler is working well and the other is undergoing repairs. Uniforms and Field Gear - In 2005, NAS purchased one portable scale for the Drug Squad. One pair of night vision goggles is in use at the Defense Force. The Drug Squad uses night vision goggles, portable scanners, cameras, binoculars, micro cassette recorders and handcuffs. The ONDCP uses body armor, portable scanners, camera equipment, a camcorder, flashlights, binoculars, night vision goggles, rechargeable spotlights, and micro cassette recorders. The Coast Guard uses a digital camera. Miscellaneous Equipment - The ONDCP uses four stationery storage cabinets, two portable scanners, nineteen desks and chairs, two fireproof filing cabinets, a fax machine and a typewriter. One 2-drawer safe is in use at the IFSRA. -------------- ¶3. Barbados -------------- Computer Equipment - Thirty laptops purchased for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions in 2002 are distributed throughout the court system and used daily. Three laptops, four computers, i2 Analyst's Notebook, four printers, one digital camera and one projector are in use at the Financial Crime Investigations Unit (FCIU). Their plotter has not been set up because of a lack of office space. Barbados Community College Court Reporting Program uses 12 computers and three printers. Four computers, two printers, a server, scanner and a fax machine are in use at the Barbados Information Centre (JICC Program). Three monitors have reached the end of their useful life. The Drug Squad uses one computer and one printer. Vehicles - Barbados Airport Security uses one 2001 Mitsubishi L200 double cab purchased in support of the C-26 Program. The Drug Squad's 1998 Mitsubishi Sedan has transmission problems and has been taken off the road. One 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara wagon has transmission problems and the other has problems with the brakes. The Nissan X-Trail at the Barbados Information Centre remains in excellent condition. Vessels - The Coast Guard has replaced the EMMs on H920 RHIB engines and the engines are working well. The 733 RHIB is in good condition. The Boston Whaler has been refurbished and fitted with new engines and is working well. Uniforms and Field Gear - The Coast Guard's night vision goggles, body armor and zoom camera have reached the end of their useful life. One pair of night vision goggles is in use at Airport Security. The Drug Squad uses one digital camera and the Barbados Information Centre uses one portable scanner and one digital camera. Miscellaneous Equipment - The BCC uses 22 stenography machines, which are all desperately in need of servicing, but there are no qualified technicians on the island and they have no funding to send the machines overseas to be serviced. Their television, chairs, TV cart A/C units, keyboard charts are used daily. The Barbados Information Centre uses a security access system, one photocopier and one shredder. -------------- ¶4. Regional Security System (RSS) -------------- Computer Equipment - One scanner and one fax machine located at the Training Unit in Antigua are used daily. Their laptop and projector are not working. Ten computers, two laptops and ten printers purchased for the Administrative Section in 2000 have reached the end of their useful life. Their two projectors are working well. The C-26 Project uses two laptops, one computer, three printers and two fax machines. Communications Equipment - The pilot headsets are in good condition. Cellular phones used by the C-26 support staff are no longer operational. Their hand held radios need new batteries. Vehicles - One 2002 Isuzu double cabin pickup purchased for the C-26 project remains in good condition. Vessels - One Zodiac H920 "Go Fast" RHIB located at the RSS Training Unit in Antigua, is working well. Aircraft - The RSS has two C-26 aircraft: one aircraft has recently received engine repairs and is fully operational and the other is in need of replacement engines and propellers. They are in the process of seeking funding from Barbados for the engines and propellers. Uniforms and Field Gear - Sixteen aircrew survival vests have recently been re-certified but are slightly worn. Life preservers, flight suits, boots, gloves, rescue lights, rescue mirrors, a digital camera and camcorder are used daily in the C-26 Program. Chain saws, two 20' x 40' tents, night vision goggles, rope, binoculars, machetes, gloves, jerry cans, MREs, GPS receivers are used for marijuana eradication operations. Riot helmets, batons and shin guards are used for training. Miscellaneous Equipment - The RSS Training Unit in Antigua uses lockers, a shredder, ten filing cabinets, 12 utility tables, 32 classroom chairs, one lectern, one coffee table, one living room suite, mattresses, folding tables, folding chairs, two washing machines, two dryers and a 25-ton air conditioner condensing unit. Two refrigerators, two televisions, two VCRs, a TV stand, microwave oven, radio cassette, refrigerator, lawn mower, weed-whacker and 11 air conditioners are used by the C-26 support staff. -------------- ¶5. Dominica -------------- Computer Equipment - The FIU uses four computers, an all-in-one fax machine, i2 Analyst's Notebook, two printers one laptop and one server. One computer has reached the end of its useful life. One computer and printer in the Commissioner's office are working well. Three computers, two printers and one projector are in use at the Financial Services Unit (FSU). One laser printer at the Drug Squad has reached the end of its useful life. Communications Equipment - Two secure Sectel phones located at the Drug Squad and Marine Unit have reached the end of their useful life. The Police have one solar repeater in use. Their hand held radios and laptop have reached the end of their useful life. Vehicles - One 2001 Nissan double cab purchased for the Dominica Customs is working well. The 1999 Mitsubishi Pajero used in the DARE Program was involved in an accident and awaiting repairs. One 1996 Jeep Cherokee is used by the Marine Unit. The Drug Squad uses one 2002 Nissan double cab and one 1998 Nissan Double Cab. Two Nissan double cabs purchased in 2000, are assigned to the Grand Bay and Portsmouth police stations. One 2000 Mitsubishi Pajero Wagon at the Special Branch is in good condition. Vessels - The 733 RHIB has been fitted with new engines acquired by TAFT and are working well. The H920 RHIB has received new engines as well, but the shafts are the incorrect length. TAFT is working to rectify the problem. The 22' Nautica RHIB purchased in 2001 continues to experience engine and fuel tank problems. Two 225 HP engines purchased in 2001 are operational. The Marine Unit requested permission to dispose of two Boston Whalers, which are no longer serviceable. Uniforms and Field Gear - The Customs and Excise Department uses BDUs, boots, flashlights and handcuffs, five binoculars, two spotlights, ten body armor and one digital camera. The Drug Squad uses night vision goggles, binoculars, a digital camera, traffic vests, BDU uniforms, holsters, body armor, flashlights, GPS receivers, rain gear, handcuffs, weapons belts, ponchos, jungle boots, water bottles, two vehicle camouflage nets, six dome tents, flashlights, inspection mirrors and field compasses. The Marine Unit has 45 life vests, one handheld spotlight, rain gear, night vision goggles, binoculars, body armor, a boarding kit, digital camera and fiber optic viewer. Miscellaneous Equipment - The Director of Public Prosecutions (D.P.P.) is using the law books and photocopier. The Drug Squad uses two filing cabinets and a shredder. Their photocopier is no longer serviceable. The FIU uses a photocopier, safe, shredder and five office chairs. One conference table and 12 chairs remain in storage. One photocopier, fax machine, shredder, heavy duty stapler, binding machine and paper cutter are in use at the FSU. -------------- ¶6. Grenada -------------- Computer Equipment - The Drug Squad uses one server, two computers, one palm pilot, two laptops and two printers. One laptop and one computer are no longer serviceable and the projector is still in need of a new bulb. The FIU uses its two laptops, i2 Analyst's Notebook, fax machine, four computers, two printers and scanner. The Police Headquarters' four computers and two printers are in good condition. Vehicles - The Special Services Unit's (SSU) 2001 3-ton Toyota truck has received a new camshaft and is working well. The FIU's 2001 Mitsubishi L300 van works well but is still in need of body repairs. The Drug Squad's 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara wagon is in good condition. Their 2001 Toyota Prado wagon has been repaired and is working well. The 1998 Mazda 4x4 double cab and 1996 Jeep Cherokee have reached the end of their useful life. The 1999 Mitsubishi Pajero purchased for the DARE Program remains with the Governor General's detail due to a shortage of vehicles as a result of damage during the hurricane in 2004. Vessels and Equipment - The Coast Guard's five engines purchased in 2003 remain in good condition. The H920 RHIB and the 733 RHIB are working well. Both Boston whalers are being refurbished. The radar and sirens remain in good condition. Uniforms and Field Gear - In 2005, NAS purchased 250 police caps and belts to replace stock lost during the hurricane in 2004. 430 sets of uniforms, 150 reflective vests and 150 flashlights are distributed throughout the police force. The Drug Squad uses binoculars, polo shirts, caps, pagers, a rescue phone, body armor, two digital cameras, a digital camcorder, batons, windbreakers, micro cassette recorders, flashlights and night vision goggles. The Coast Guard uses body armor, night vision goggles and a boarding kit. The camcorder and zoom camera have reached the end of their useful life. The Police Special Branch uses body armor and a GPS. Miscellaneous Equipment - The Drug Squad uses one television and VCR, a shredder, photocopier, three filing cabinets, five office chairs and two fireproof filing cabinets. Their fax machine is not working. The FIU uses a photocopier, two fireproof filing cabinets, one shredder, four desks, six chairs, coffee table, six waiting room chairs, television, VCR, fax machine, digital camera, a filing cabinet and a portable projector screen, all are in good condition. Four cellular phones have reached the end of their useful life. Six air conditioning units are in use at Police Headquarters. -------------- ¶7. St. Kitts -------------- Computer Equipment - Four computers, one server and one laptop are in use at the Financial Services Department (FSD). The Nevis Regulation and Supervisory Division (RSD) uses four computers, three printers, and one laptop. The FIU uses one i2 analyst's notebook, four computers, a network hub, laptop, projector, scanner and two printers. One computer and printer are in use at their Nevis office. Five computers, a projector and fax machine are in use at the National Council for Drug Abuse Prevention (NACDAP). One scanner is in use at the Drug Squad. Vehicles - The Nevis Task Force uses one 2001 Toyota double cab. The St. Kitts Drug Squad's 1996 Jeep Cherokee and 1998 Mitsubishi mini van are operational. The 1999 Mitsubishi mini bus provided to the DARE Program remains in good condition. Vessels - The Coast Guard's Zodiac H920 RHIB experiences engine problems but is operational. Their 733 RHIB are working well. The 22' RHIB purchased for the Nevis Customs is operational. Uniforms and Field Gear - In 2005, NAS purchased one portable scale for the Drug Squad. A boarding kit, weapons belts, zoom camera and a camcorder are in use at the Coast Guard. The Drug Squad uses body armor, binoculars and BDUs, jungle boots, a camcorder, handcuffs, night vision goggles, micro cassette recorder and a digital camera. The Nevis Police use BDUs, jungle boots, ponchos, handcuffs, fingerprint cameras, fingerprinting equipment, SLR cameras, film developing equipment, night vision goggles, handcuffs, flashlights, binoculars, rain gear, body armor, traffic vests and a digital camera. Miscellaneous Equipment - In 2005, NAS purchased one air conditioning unit for the National Joint Headquarters (NJHQ). The Nevis Financial Services Department uses one photocopier. The Drug Squad uses six air conditioning units, desks, filing cabinets, stacking chairs and office chairs. The FIU uses one office desk and chair, one secretarial workstation, one conference table and twelve chairs, three fireproof filing cabinets, a binding machine, trimmer, television, VCR, photocopier, shredder and digital camera. The NACDAP uses one television, VCR, photocopier, five desks, five office chairs, ten guest chairs, a conference table with sixteen chairs, two stationery cabinets and two filing cabinets. -------------- ¶8. St. Lucia -------------- Computer equipment - In 2005, NAS purchased one projector and one i2 Analyst's Notebook for the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA),one computer and printer for the Police Community Relations Office (CRO) and two computers, two printers, one laptop and one fax machine for the Police Special Branch. The FIU is using six computers, a fax machine, digital camera, scanner, two printers and two laptops. Two computers, two printers, one fax machine, printer and scanner are used daily at the Marine Unit. The Drug Squad is making use of one computer and printer at their Vieux Fort location. Two computers and two printers are in use at the Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat (SAACS). The Customs Central Intelligence Unit uses three computers, two scanners, one printer and one laptop. Communication Equipment - VHF radios, and a base station are in use at the Marine Unit. Vehicles - One 2001 Isuzu double cab at the Marine Unit is in good condition. The Drug Squad's 2001 Nissan Patrol wagon has a broken headlamp; and the turbo on their 1998 Mitsubishi double cab has not been replaced due to lack of funds. One 2000 Mitsubishi mini bus is used for the DARE program. Vessels - The Marine Unit uses one Zodiac H920 "Go Fast" RHIB. The 733 RHIB works has a problem with one of the engines but is operational. One Boston Whaler, which is used mainly for training, is working well. Uniforms and Field Gear - In 2005, NAS purchased one camcorder, one digital camera and ten sets of body armor for the Special Branch, one digital camera for the Drug Squad and six sets of dive gear and ten sets of body armor for the Marine Unit. The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) uses camera equipment, fingerprinting equipment, intoxilyzers and body bags. The Customs Department uses two night vision goggles. The Drug Squad uses twenty-five sets of uniforms and boots, two night vision goggles and two digital cameras. The Marine Unit uses a camcorder, inspection mirror, fiber optic viewer, flashlight, batons, handcuffs and binoculars. The FIA uses one NVG, one pair of binoculars, three bulletproof vests and a digital camera. The Special Branch is using one NVG. Miscellaneous - In 2005, NAS purchased a photocopier for the CRO. The FIA uses one conference room table with chairs, four 2-drawer filing cabinets, one safe, six office desks, six chairs, four office chairs, one shredder and two fireproof filing cabinets. Five air conditioning units, one photocopier, shredder, four filing cabinets, lockers and folding chairs are used daily at the Marine Unit's sub-base in Vieux Fort. The Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat uses armchairs, side chairs, desks, a credenza and a conference table. One shredder is in use at the Police Special Branch. Law books are in use at the Office of the D.P.P. -------------- ¶9. St. Vincent and the Grenadines -------------- Computer Equipment - In 2005, NAS purchased one computer and a scanner for the CRO, two laptops, one projector, one scanner, one printer and one USB flash drive for the FIU. Six computers, one laptop, i2 analyst's notebook, one projector, two printers and one scanner are in use at the FIU. Their fax machine is unserviceable. The A/G's Office uses three computers, one server, two printers, one scanner, one projector, and one photocopier. The fax machine is unserviceable. The Police Narcotics Intelligence Unit has two computers, one fax machine and one printer. Vehicles - The Drug Squad's 1998 Toyota double cab continues to work well. Their 2001 Mitsubishi Pajero wagon recently received a new clutch, but has an oil leak. The 1996 Jeep Cherokee has reached the end of its useful life. One 2001 Mitsubishi Pajero for the Marion House "Right Step Program" remains in good condition. The 1999 Mitsubishi Pajero purchased for the DARE Program is in good condition. Vessels - Both Zodiac H920 RHIBs at the Coast Guard are in need of new engines and are not operational. The 733 RHIB is operational but receiving repairs to its collar. Uniforms and Field Gear - In 2005, NAS purchased three bullet proof vests, one digital SLR camera, one camcorder, one pair of binoculars and three micro- cassette recorders for the FIU. The Coast Guard uses one NVG, a boarding kit, and flashlights. The body armor, zoom camera and camcorder have reached the end of their useful life. Body armor, GPSs, SLR camera, night vision goggles, binoculars, one digital camcorder and flashlights are used daily at the Drug Squad. The FIU uses one digital camera. Miscellaneous Equipment - In 2005, NAS purchased one laminator and one binding machine and installed a digital surveillance system for the FIU. One TV/VCR and one slide projector are in use at Marion House. A Security access system, shredder, television, VCR, digital camera, safe and photocopier are in use at the FIU. The Drug Squad uses 24 pairs of bunk beds. The Police Narcotics Intelligence Unit uses one photocopier. -------------- ¶10. FRENCH MARTINIQUE -------------- The Director of the French Coast Guard has reported that the Lafayette is still in good condition and is used in operations. -------------- ¶11. IMPACT -------------- INL assistance to the Eastern Caribbean ensures that law enforcement agencies are capable partners in the fight against narco-trafficking and money laundering in the region. The equipment provided by NAS has improved their mobility, communications, record keeping, safety, intelligence collection and drug detection capabilities. INL-funded training provides personnel with the necessary skills to carry out their mission and demonstrates the USG's counter-narcotics commitment in the region, the United States' Third Border. -------------- ¶12. PROBLEMS -------------- Skill and experience levels among various agencies and units vary widely, as well as the ability to use sophisticated equipment. NAS Bridgetown targets procurements to meet the needs of a unit at a given time. However, subsequent personnel turnovers sometimes result in non-use of sophisticated equipment by new personnel unfamiliar with the equipment. Most countries lack spare parts and repair facilities for electronics leading to backlogs of items in need of repair. Incidents of theft and misuse of equipment are rare. KRAMER