2007 END USE MONITORING REPORT - EASTERN CARIBBEAN

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 BRIDGETOWN 000149 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR INL/RM AND WHA/CAR E.O. 12958:N/A TAGS: SNAR AFIN XL SUBJECT: 2007 END USE MONITORING REPORT - EASTERN CARIBBEAN Ref: 07State 163708 -------------- 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 2007, NAS purchased three laptops for the Financial Services Regulatory Commission. . The Police Training School uses one projector. Four laptops are in use at the Financial Services Regulatory Commission, two laptops have reached the end of their useful life. The International Financial Sector Regulatory Authority (IFSRA) uses fourteen computers, two servers, one network printer and one scanner. The ONDCP uses twenty four computers, three laptops, three printers, a projector, three i2 Analyst's Notebooks, two servers, a plotter, four scanners and four printers. The Defense Force uses one laptop. The Drug Squad uses one projector. Vehicles - The Drug Squad's Canine Unit uses two 2001 Suzuki Carry vans with dog cages. The Drug Squad's 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero has reached the end of its useful life. The 1999 Nissan Patrol purchased for the DARE Program works well. The ONDCP's 2003 Suzuki Vitara wagon is used extensively and experiencing engine problems. Their 2003 Toyota Corolla was involved in an accident while conducting surveillance operations and has been written off. Vessels - The Coast Guard's H920 RHIB is working well. Their 733 RHIB needs a new collar. Two Boston Whalers are in use but in need of cosmetic repair. Uniforms and Field Gear - In 2007, NAS Bridgetown purchased body armor, dive equipment and fire fighting gear for the Coast Guard. One pair of night vision goggles is in use at the Defense Force. The Drug Squad uses one portable scale, portable scanners, cameras, binoculars, micro cassette recorders and handcuffs. Their night vision goggles have been sent for repair. The ONDCP uses a portable scale, 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, 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). Two of the laptops need new batteries. Their plotter has still not been set up. Two printers, a server, scanner and a fax machine are in use at the Barbados Information Centre (JICC Program). Twelve computers and three printers at the Barbados Community College (BCC) Court Reporting Program 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 1999 Suzuki Grand Vitara wagon has reached the end of its useful life. The 2003 Nissan X-Trail at the Barbados Information Centre remains in good condition. Vessels - The Coast Guard has recently moved to a new facility and has received new vessels purchased by the Barbados Government. The BRIDGETOWN 00000149 002 OF 005 NAS purchased H920 RHIB and Boston whaler are receiving engine repairs. The 733 RHIB is working well. Uniforms and Field Gear - 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 twenty-two stenography machines, which are in need of servicing. Their television, chairs, TV cart, A/C units and keyboard charts are used daily. The Barbados Information Centre uses a security access system and one photocopier. -------------- ¶3. Regional Security System (RSS) -------------- Computer Equipment - The Administration Section uses two laptops and two projectors for classroom training sessions. The Training Unit in Antigua uses one scanner and one fax machine. The C-26 Project uses one computer and three printers. Two fax machines have reached the end of their useful life. Communications Equipment - The pilot headsets at the C-26 Program are in good condition. NAS Bridgetown sent four sets for repairs and they were returned in good condition. Their hand held radios need new batteries. Vehicles - The Administration Section uses two 2006 Suzuki APV vans. One 2002 Isuzu double cabin pickup purchased for the C-26 project is receiving clutch repairs. 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, both are fully operational and very effective in interdictions throughout the region. Uniforms and Field Gear - The C-26 Program uses sixteen aircrew survival vests, life preservers, flight suits, boots, rescue lights, rescue mirrors, a digital camera and camcorder. Chain saws, two 20' x 40' tents, night vision goggles, rope, binoculars, machetes, jerry cans, GPS receivers are used by the RSS for marijuana eradication operations. Their riot helmets, batons and shin guards have reached the end of their useful life. Miscellaneous Equipment - The RSS Training Unit in Antigua uses lockers, a shredder, ten filing cabinets, twelve utility tables, thirty two 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, radio cassette, refrigerator, lawn mower, weed-whacker and eleven air conditioners are used by the C-26 support staff. Their microwave oven has reached the end of its useful life. -------------- ¶5. Dominica -------------- Computer Equipment - The FIU uses two laptops, three computers, one all in one fax machine, i2 Analyst's Note book, two printers and one server. The Financial Services Unit (FSU) uses three computers, two printers and one projector. Communications Equipment - The Police Force has one solar repeater in use. Vehicles - In 2007, NAS purchased a Nissan double cab for the Dominica Customs. The Coast Guard uses one 2006 Kubota tractor mainly for hauling and retrieving the H920 RHIB boat. The 1999 Mitsubishi Pajero used in the DARE Program is working well. The Drug Squad uses one 2002 Nissan double cab. One 2000 Mitsubishi Pajero Wagon at the Special Branch is in good condition. Two 2000 Nissan double cabs, previously assigned to the Police Stations at Grand Bay and Portsmouth, one 1996 Jeep Cherokee at the Coast Guard and one 1998 Nissan Double Cab at the Drug Squad have reached the end of their useful life. Vessels - In 2007, NAS purchased two 275 hp engines for the H920 RHIB which is now fully operational. The lower units on the 733 RHIB's engines are giving problems and the Coast Guard is seeking to have them replaced by the manufacturers. The 22' Nautica RHIB purchased in 2001 continues to experience engine and fuel tank problems and the collar needs to be replaced. It has been determined that repairs would be too costly so arrangements are being made to dispose of the vessel by auction. BRIDGETOWN 00000149 003 OF 005 Uniforms and Field Gear - In 2007, NAS purchased twelve handcuffs, eight drug test kits, fifteen BDUs, six microcassette recorders, six flashlights and latex gloves for the Customs and Excise Department and Personal floating devices (PFDs) for the Coast Guard. The Customs and Excise Department also uses five binoculars, two spotlights, ten body armor and one digital camera. The Drug Squad uses night vision goggles, binoculars, traffic vests, holsters, body armor, GPS receivers, rain gear, handcuffs, weapons belts, water bottles, two vehicle camouflage nets, six dome tents, flashlights, inspection mirrors and field compasses. The Coast Guard has rain gear, night vision goggles, binoculars, body armor, a digital camera and a fiber optic viewer. Miscellaneous Equipment - In 2007, NAS purchased one portable air compressor for the Coast Guard. The Director of Public Prosecutions (D.P.P.) uses Law books and one photocopier. The Drug Squad uses two filing cabinets and one shredder. The FIU uses one photocopier, safe, shredder, one conference table and twelve chairs. Five office chairs have reached the end of their useful life. One photocopier, fax machine, shredder, heavy duty stapler, binding machine and paper cutter are in use at the Financial Services Unit (FSU). -------------- ¶6. Grenada -------------- Computer Equipment -The FIU also uses two laptops, one fax machine, four computers, three printers, and one scanner. One laptop which was stolen from the FIU in 2006 has been recovered and is in good working order. Their i2 Analyst's Notebook needs to be upgraded. The Drug Squad uses one server, two computers and two palm pilots. Two laptops and two printers have reached the end of their useful life. The projector is still in need of a new bulb. Vehicles - The Special Services Unit's (SSU) 2001 3-ton Toyota truck is working well. The FIU uses one 2001 Mitsubishi L300 van works well but is in need of body repairs. The Drug Squad's 2003 Suzuki Grand Vitara wagon is in good condition. Their 2001 Toyota Prado wagon is in use and used mainly for night operations. The DARE Program uses one 1999 Mitsubishi Pajero wagon. Vessels and Equipment - The Coast Guard's five engines purchased in 2003 remain in good condition. The H920 RHIB has received new engines from TAFT and is in good working order and the 733 RHIB is working, new engines will soon be provided through TAFT as well. Both Boston whalers are being refurbished. Uniforms and Field Gear - The Police Force uses 250 police caps and belts, 430 sets of uniforms, 150 reflective vests and 150 flashlights which are distributed throughout the police force. The Drug Squad uses binoculars, body armor , a digital camcorder, batons, flashlights and night vision goggles. Two digital cameras have reached the end of their useful life. The Coast Guard's body armor, night vision goggles and boarding kit have reached the end of their useful life. The Police Special Branch uses body armor, micro cassette recorders and a GPS receiver. Miscellaneous Equipment - In 2007, NAS purchased three office desks for the Drug Squad. Fireproof filing cabinets, an alarm system, a photocopier, one shredder, four desks, six chairs, a coffee table, six waiting room chairs, television, VCR, fax machine, digital camera, a filing cabinet and a portable projector screen are all in good condition at the FIU. The Drug Squad uses one television, VCR, one shredder, a photocopier, three filing cabinets, five office chairs and two fireproof filing cabinets. Six air conditioning units are in use at Police Headquarters. -------------- ¶7. St. Kitts -------------- Computer Equipment - One server, three computers, one printer, digital camera and projector are in use at the National Joint Headquarters (NJHQ). 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, two computers, a network hub, laptop, projector, scanner and two printers. One computer and printer are in use at their Nevis office and two computers have reached the end of their useful life. 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 cabin pickup. The St. Kitts Drug Squad uses 1996 Jeep Cherokee. Their 1998 Mitsubishi mini van has reached the end of its useful life and has been replaced by the Police Credit Union. The 1999 Mitsubishi mini bus provided to the DARE Program remains in good condition. BRIDGETOWN 00000149 004 OF 005 Vessels - The Coast Guard's Zodiac H920 RHIB needs new engines which are being purchased by TAFT in Puerto Rico. The Boston Whaler is operational. Their 733 RHIB is having the collar patched and reinstalled. The 22' RHIB purchased for the Nevis Customs is operational. Uniforms and Field Gear - In 2007, NAS provided five body armor and one NVG to the Coast Guard, two vehicle light bars, two siren sets, two handheld scanners, one NVG, twenty body armor, ten leg irons and twenty handcuffs to the Police Force, seven body armor, two digital cameras, thirteen handcuffs, one NVG, four binoculars, and 39 sets of BDUs for the Drug Squad. The Drug Squad uses a camcorder, handcuffs, two portable scales (one in Nevis) 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 - One air conditioning unit is in use at the 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, paper 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 - One computer and printer are used by the Police Community Relations Office (CRO). Two computers, two printers, one laptop and one fax machine are used by the Police Special Branch. One computer was stolen when an office of the Special Branch which is situated in a remote area was burglarized and another was damaged due to a power surge. The FIU is using a projector, one i2 Analyst's Notebook, six computers, a fax machine, digital camera, scanner, two printers and one laptop. One computer was damaged during a power surge and has been replaced by the local power company. One monitor and one laptop have reached the end of their useful life. One fax machine and one scanner are used daily at the Coast Guard. Two computers and two printers have reached the end of their useful life. The Drug Squad is making use of one computer and printer at their Vieux Fort location. Two computers, one laptop and two printers are in use at the Substance Abuse advisory Council Secretariat (SAACS). The Customs Central Intelligence Unit uses SIPDIS 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 serviceable but having the clutch replaced. The Drug Squad's 2001 Nissan Patrol is in good condition. Their 1998 Mitsubishi double cab has reached the end of its useful life. One 2000 Mitsubishi mini bus is used for the DARE program. Vessels - In 2007, NAS Bridgetown replaced the engines on the Marine Unit's Zodiac H920 "Go Fast" RHIB and it is now fully operational. The St. Lucia Government has replaced the engines and collar on the 733 RHIB and it is fully operational as well. One Boston Whaler, which is used mainly for training, is working well. Uniforms and Field Gear - The Customs Department uses two night vision goggles. The Drug Squad uses twenty-five sets of uniforms, one portable scale, two night vision goggles and a digital camera. The Marine Unit uses six sets of dive gear, fourteen sets of body armor and a fiber optic viewer. Their inspection mirror, camcorder, flashlights, batons, handcuffs and binoculars have reached the end of their useful life. The FIU uses one NVG, one pair of binoculars and three bulletproof vests. The Special Branch is using one NVG, one camcorder, one digital camera and ten sets of body armor. Miscellaneous - In 2006, NAS purchased five air conditioning units for the Marine Unit's Base in Castries, which were damaged due to voltage problems but replaced by the insurance company. 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. One photocopier is in use at the CRO. The FIU uses one conference room table with chairs, four 2-drawer filing cabinets, one safe, six office desks, six chairs, one photocopier, one shredder and two fireproof filing cabinets. Four office chairs have reached the end of their useful life. The Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat uses armchairs, side chairs, desks, a credenza and a conference table. One shredder is in use at the BRIDGETOWN 00000149 005 OF 005 Police Special Branch. Law books are in use at the Office of the D.P.P. -------------- ¶9. St. Vincent and the Grenadines -------------- Computer Equipment - The Drug Squad uses two laptops, one digital SLR camera and one photo printer. One computer and a scanner are used at the Community Relations Office (CRO),three laptops, two projectors, one scanner, one printer, one computer, i2 analyst's notebook, two printers and one scanner are in use at the FIU. Five computers at the FIU have reached the end of their useful life. The A/G's Office uses three computers, one server, two printers, one scanner, one projector and one photocopier. The Police Narcotics Intelligence Unit uses two computers, one fax machine and one printer. Vehicles - The Drug Squad uses one 1998 Toyota double cab and one 2001 Mitsubishi Pajero wagon, both are extensively used and need to be replaced. The 1996 Jeep Cherokee, reassigned to the Coast Guard Base 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 - Two H920 RHIBs and one 733 RHIB at the Coast Guard have received new engines from the St. Vincent government and are working well. Their Boston Whaler is presently receiving repairs to the hull. Uniforms and Field Gear - Three bullet proof vests, one NVG, one digital SLR camera, one camcorder, one digital camera one pair of binoculars and three micro-cassette recorders are used by the FIU. One digital recorder, two vehicle rotating lights, Raid T-Shirts, one NVG, drug I.D. kits, body armor, GPSs, SLR camera, binoculars, one digital camcorder and flashlights are used daily at the Drug Squad. One NVG at the Coast Guard has reached the end of its useful life. Miscellaneous Equipment - One laminator, one binding machine, a digital surveillance and security access system, shredder, television, VCR, safe and photocopier are in use at the FIU One TV/VCR and one slide projector are in use at Marion House. The Drug Squad uses twenty four pairs of bunk beds and one paper trimmer. 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 continues to contribute in the seizures of marijuana and cocaine. -------------- ¶11. IMPACT -------------- INL project funds provided through the NAS are crucial to the Eastern Caribbean and they ensure that law enforcement agencies are capable partners in regional counter-narcotics and anti-money laundering efforts. The equipment provided by NAS has improved their mobility, communications, record keeping, safety, intelligence collection and drug detection capabilities. Most of the Coast Guards have received new engines for their H920 RHIBs which are crucial to their operations. 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 -------------- NAS Bridgetown targets procurements to meet the needs of a unit at a given time. However recent reduction in the NAS program budget has hampered the mobility of some agencies as most countries are desperately in need of modern equipment and their vehicles are aging. Skill and experience levels among various agencies and units vary widely, as well as the ability to use sophisticated equipment. Subsequent personnel turnovers sometimes result in non-use of sophisticated equipment by new personnel unfamiliar with the equipment. Most countries lack spare parts, replacement batteries and repair facilities for electronics leading to backlogs of items in need of repair. Incidents of theft and misuse of equipment are rare. Ourisman