JAMAICA: ACTING NAS DIRECTOR CALLS ON CHIEF OF

UNCLAS KINGSTON 000283 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR INL/LP (BOZZOLO) AND WHA/CAR (TILGHMAN) JUSTICE FOR OPDAT (R LIPMAN) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: JM PREL SNAR SUBJECT: JAMAICA: ACTING NAS DIRECTOR CALLS ON CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF AND COMMISSIONER OF POLICE REF: A. (A) KINGSTON 264 ¶B. (B) KINGSTON 233 AND (C) KINGSTON 230 ¶1. (SBU) Summary: On April 2, Acting NAS Director (NASDIR) called on Major General Stewart Saunders, Chief of Defence Staff, and on Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, Commissioner of Police, to review several outstanding issues. These included the GOJ request for FY-10 assistance to counter a likely increase in cocaine transshipments (ref A),disposition of M-16s (ref (C) and the status of Embassy's request to reprogram funds to meet Jamaica's national security requirements (ref B). End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) Following the Ambassador's March 26 meeting with Minister of National Security Derrick Smith, Gen. Saunders provided a written request for equipment to the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Task Force unit that works with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) on significant counter-narcotics operations. This assistance was requested in an effort to be pro-active to the likelihood of increased cocaine shipments through Jamaica. Total estimated cost of the equipment is US $1,002,170. NASDIR confirmed on April 2 that Saunders understood that we are talking about FY-10 funds and that there was absolutely no certainty that these extra funds would be approved. NASDIR also advised that NAS is unable to procure firearms (which were included) and advised that we had shared the list of equipment and firearms with MLO. ¶3. (SBU) Discussion of the JDF's air assets followed. At least one fixed wing aircraft is needed to track maritime and air targets and to coordinate law enforcement action against drug traffickers. Embassy would like to know if C26 aircraft still exist as U.S. military excess property. Comment: According to Lewin, the USG once offered Jamaica C26 aircraft as excess property, but the then Chief of Staff turned down the aircraft. RSS and Trinidad accepted the aircraft. Lewin thought this was a mistake not to have taken the C26s. End Comment. ¶4. (SBU) Marijuana eradication was examined. NASDIR reminded Saunders that the role of the JDF in eradication (Operation Buccaneer) was extremely important and expressed concern that the JDF seemed to have been distracted from carrying out these operations due to other crime-related priorities during the past couple of months. NASDIR also asked Saunders to think about using Bell 412's as transport helicopters for the eradication teams, if NAS were able to pay for fuel. Saunders said the 412's have multiple missions, indicating they could not be tied up in Buccaneer. NASDIR suggested that the JDF's smaller helicopters be used for those purposes and/or that the 412's be deployed for emergencies only during eradication operations. ¶5. (U) NASDIR asked Saunders if the JDF would use M16s provided several years ago to the JCF through a Section 506 drawdown. It was explained that this is an older, longer and heavier model than those currently being used by the JCF. Saunders responded that the JDF would use the M16s, probably for training. This was broached with Commissioner Lewin at a subsequent meeting and he said that, if we provided him with a letter authorizing the transfer, he would be pleased to make the transfer. NAS will provide the letter. ¶6. (SBU) In the meeting with Commissioner Lewin, NASDIR informed him that we were waiting for INL approval to reprogram funds in order to do procurements for urgent security assistance. We also discussed the status of the Airport Interdiction Task Force building. NAS is repairing the electrical system. The Commissioner was reminded that, he will need to inform us about the type of software the GOJ wishes to use to provide interconnectivity between the Task Force and the National Intelligence Bureau. ¶7. (U) Finally, Adm. Lewin was informed that, under a DOJ/OPDAT proposal, funding would be provided for him to travel to Newark, NJ to meet with the Director of Police and observe methods employed to reduce violent crime. He would welcome the opportunity to go to Newark within the next two months. JOHNSON