DAO CARACAS VISITS GRENADA OCTOBER 29

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 GRENADA 000165 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL GJ SUBJECT: DAO CARACAS VISITS GRENADA OCTOBER 29 ¶1. (SBU) Defense Attache Officers Colonel Lee Bauer and Commander Stephen Leslie visited Grenada on October 29, 2007. They discussed ongoing U.S. - Grenada counter narcotics cooperation and the Grenadian desire to acquire new boats for its coast guard with the junior Minister for National Security, the Commissioner of Police, and National Security Adviser. They also briefly met the head of the Grenada National Disaster Management Agency, but had to leave early because of concerns about the weather. ¶2. (U) Bauer, Leslie, and Charge d'Affaires Karen Jo McIsaac met with Minister in the Prime Minister's Ministry with responsibility for National Security, Implementation, and Information Einstein Louison; Commissioner of Police Wynston James; and National Security Advisor Fitzroy Bedeau, in the Minister's office. ¶3. (SBU) Louison welcomed Bauer and Leslie and lauded the cooperative efforts of Grenada and the United States in many security areas. He mentioned that Grenada now has Phillip Ferron, wanted in the U.S., in custody and would remove him to the U.S. this week. ¶4. (SBU) The Minister described the increasing problems Grenada's Coast Guard is having patrolling the country's territorial waters. He said that while the marijuana coming to Grenada traditionally came from St. Vincent, the shipments they are seeing are more and more mixed with cocaine from, and transiting, Venezuela. Recently, three people were shot and killed and a Grenadian national disappeared in the waters between the two countries. Without a viable coast guard, the GOG's efforts are ineffectual. Louison added that the GOG would welcome any assistance to upgrade the force. ¶5. (SBU) Col Bauer noted the problem of violence in Venezuela and asked whether it was causing problems for Grenada. Commissioner of Police (COP) James responded that there is a serious problem of drugs coming out of Venezuela, mostly cocaine. However, the GOG does not have a close relationship with the Venezuelans. For example, two weeks ago, James said, the government received information about a boat arriving from Venezuela, but because of the weather, the coast guard missed them; they had already unloaded and departed by the time the Grenadians caught up with them. Louison said Grenada's relationship with Venezuela is primarily economic. ¶6. (SBU) National Security Advisor Bedeau interjected when he was commissioner of police (he was relieved of command after Hurricane Ivan in 2004 for incompetence),he had tried to arrange something with Grenada's Ambassador to get Venezuelan cooperation with no success. He said the Regional Security Service (RSS) provided some air surveillance but was not consistent. ¶7. (SBU) Bauer explained that Venezuela has a number of different agencies involved in drug control. While U.S. officials cannot, because of their own current difficulties with the Venezuelan government, make introductions, Bauer offered to look into who might be receptive and communicate with the Grenadian representative in Caracas. Bauer said he will meet with Ambassador McPhale in Caracas and determine what help his office can provide. ¶8. (SBU) Louison repeated his request for assistance, especially boats, for Grenada's coast guard. Charge reminded the Grendians that in previous discussions, the U.S. raised concerns about the lack of manpower in the coast guard to support additional hardware. The Minister indicated that the GOG has decided to increase the numbers in the coast guard to 53. However, according to the COP, the polygraphing of new recruits is slowing down the speed of expansion. The Minister indicated that the GOG has decided to increase the numbers in the coast guard to 53. However, according to the COP, the polygraphing of new recruits is slowing down the speed of expansion. The Royal Grenadian Police Force (RGPF) has fired a number of new recruits, as well as more seasoned veterans, as a result of the polygraph results. ¶9. (SBU) Leslie asked whether the vetting was for all recruits or just those involved in the 920 process. Wynston James responded that unlike some other Eastern Caribbean countries, Grenada decided to expand its screening to include all new recruits to be sure that they could trust their subordinates. It means that they have to recruit more to fill the positions as everyone does not pass. The RGPF also wants to increase its cross training of officers, although that can be a challenge for those not adept at sea. James promised they will forge ahead. ¶10. (SBU) Minister Louison reiterated that Grenada is stepping up to the plate and increasing the coast guard force. He said they need new assets as their one boat is not very seaworthy anymore. Charge reminded him that the U.S. has provided GRENADA 00000165 002 OF 002 extensive training and will continue to do so, but vessels were not in the picture at this time. ¶11. (SBU) The U.S. Coast Guard transported lumber to Grenada on one of its ships in 2004 after Hurricane Ivan devastated the country. Leslie asked whether Grenada has sought agreements with other countries to bring in supplies in the event of another disaster. James said that not with other countries, but the Regional Security Service (RSS) will do it. Louison added that Grenada intends to enter into arrangements with other countries, e.g., Trinidad & Tobago and others. In addition, while all of the cooperation agreements set up for Cricket World Cup had sunset clauses and expired over the summer, the GOG is looking at making them permanent. MCISAAC