TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: CY2009 END USE MONITORING REPORT

UNCLAS PORT OF SPAIN 000136 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SNAR KCRM AFIN TD SUBJECT: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: CY2009 END USE MONITORING REPORT REF: STATE 00119905 ¶1. (SBU) Per reftel, Post has provided the following report on INL-funded items acquired and donated by the USG to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago (GOTT). -------------- BACKGROUND -------------- ¶A. EUM Program Coordinator ¶2. (SBU) EUM Program Coordinator is Ebony Custis, (868) 822 - 5922, custise@state.gov. ¶B. Inventory System ¶3. (SBU) Inventory System: Post retains copies of receiving reports for all resources distributed to host government agencies. Post currently uses an Excel database to record and track the distribution of all resources. The following agencies will assist in reviews and verify the condition of resources: MLO, DEA, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). ¶C. Staff Member EUM Responsibilities ¶4. (SBU) EUM Program Coordinator - Ebony Custis INL Specialist - Sandra De Leon Each recipient of INL-Funded equipment is given the "Guidelines for INL-Provided Equipment Receipt." Resources provided to the GOTT are monitored primarily through quarterly reports to the Embassy that detail the location, status and use of the equipment, as required by USG-GOTT letters of agreement. The INL Specialist maintains a record of all reports. A central office in the Ministry of National Security also receives a copy of these reports. The GOTT recipient agencies are cooperative in allowing requested site visits, but are frequently late in submitting written reports. The GOTT agencies are generally better at providing inventory reports than submitting reports on the operational use of the donated equipment ¶D. Other Agency Assistance ¶5. (SBU) The Embassy's Political/INL officer, Military Liaison officer, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Agents, U.S. Customs Officers, other Embassy officers and the INL Program Specialist monitor the resources when visiting sites where equipment is located. ¶E. Counterpart Agencies ¶6. (SBU) The following is a list of names and acronyms of counterpart agencies that are recipients of USG-provided assets: Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard (TTAG) Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (TTDF) National Inter-Agency Command Center (NICC) Organized Crime Narcotics and Firearm Bureau (OCNFB) Trinidad and Tobago Customs and Excise Division (TTCED) Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) Counter-Drug and Crime Task Force (CDCTF) St. James/Carenage Police Youth Club (PYC) Airport Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (AATT) Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Health Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) Piparo Empowerment Center Ministry of Legal Affairs - Intellectual Property Rights Office (IPO) Judiciary of Trinidad & Tobago ¶F. Receipt ¶7. (SBU) Procedures used to document the provision of items provided to above agencies are handwritten receipts. -------------- MONITORING PROCEDURES -------------- ¶A. On-site Inspections ¶8. (SBU) Number of scheduled on-site inspections performed: 20 Number of unscheduled on-site visits: Four Number of counterpart sites and cities visited: Four sites were visited in one city Date and location of each on-site inspection performed: February 09: Canine Academy, Judiciary, OCNFB March 09: Tobago, OCNFB, Customs, TTPS, TTDF, Airports Authority May 09: Tobago, TTCG, Canine Academy, Piparo June 09: St. James/Carenage Police Youth Club, CDCFT, TTPS November 09: Tobago, Customs, OCNFB, St. Clair Coaching School, Air Guard, SERVOL Date and location of each unscheduled on-site inspection performed April 09: NICC June 09: TTDF, Coast Guard, Canine Academy Number of donated items subject to inspection: approximately 250, including older commodity items Percentage of donated items physically inspected: 70 ¶B. Secondary Methods of Monitoring Resource Status ¶9. (SBU) Status: Post used reports from the various agencies and telephone calls as the secondary method to monitor resources. Percentage of donated items monitored using secondary methods: 30 -------------- STATUS - COMMODITIES -------------- ¶A. Aircraft ¶10. (SBU) Due to severe mechanical problems and lack of funding for replacement parts, the Cessna 172 aircraft has been out-of-service since 1994. It is presently in storage. Even though the long-term plan is to return it to service for use in training, the TTCG did not complete any task this year to achieve that goal. The Cessna 310 was not operational in 2009 and has completed its useful life. Both Piper Navajo aircraft have been disposed of. Both of the two C-26 aircraft remained in serviceable condition throughout 2009 and completed exercises and one of the other aircraft underwent upgrades to the maritime radar, avionics and air conditioning, as part of an enhancement contract funded by the GOTT. ¶B. Vessels ¶11. (SBU) One of the Bowen "go-fast" boats incurred damage to its hull and has been out of service since 2002. This vessel is not salvageable and disposal will take place this year. The second vessel was operational during 2009. The four 82-foot Class Patrol Craft were operational in 2009 and conducted regular patrols off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago. Three vessels are headquartered in Trinidad, and the fourth vessel is headquartered in Tobago. One of the vessels is outfitted with complete radar, an electronic package, as well as reducers and converters. The 30-foot U.S. Customs vessel and two 29-foot Phantom interceptors are currently operational. The TT Customs and Excise Division and other agencies use these vessels for counternarcotics and law enforcement interdiction operations. Four Combat Rigid Raiding Craft (CRRC) were operational during ¶2009. The engines on these crafts have been overhauled. These crafts were used extensively in maritime interdiction operations around Trinidadian waters. Two 40-foot interceptors were fully functional during 2009. The three Zodiac Hurricanes are unserviceable. One does not have an engine. The second Hurricane was unserviceable due to impeller and wiring defects. The third Hurricane has damaged pontoons. The vessels are not salvageable. The Board of Survey has not yet determined disposal requirements. The six night-scopes were in use and fully operational in 2009. The TTCG and its Special Naval Unit share the night scopes. The hand-held Global Positioning System receiver was fully functional and in use throughout the year. The data scopes, infrared cameras, and three handheld Global Positioning System receivers were fully functional and in use throughout 2009. ¶C. Vehicles ¶12. (SBU) The four right-hand drive vehicles that were donated to the Organized Crime and Narcotics Unit in 2004 were fully functional during the year. The vehicles allowed the task force to conduct surveillance and interdict narcotics trafficking throughout the country. They are being maintained and are located on both the islands of Trinidad and Tobago ¶D. U.S. Customs-Provided Radar ¶13. (SBU) The two U.S. Customs radars donated in 2001 continue to provide the GOTT with information vital to detecting, tracking, and intercepting vessels and aircraft suspected of narcotics trafficking. The radar system, via real-time feeds, allows the NICC to coordinate the interdiction of vessels suspected of narcotics trafficking, as well as vessels suspected of fisheries violations. ¶E. Computer Equipment ¶14. (SBU) The computer equipment provided to the Counter Narcotics and Crime Task Force (CNCTF) allows information and intelligence to be analyzed in a more comprehensive and timely manner than would otherwise be possible. The computers, electronic equipment, and safe were in use throughout the year, with the exception of ten monitors, one printer, and a micro recorder. These items are not operational and need to be replaced. Computers are installed at the Customs and Excise Prevention Branch and at key stations of the Customs and Excise Division throughout Trinidad and Tobago. Each branch was reportedly given an automated database system, providing continuous connectivity of the branch as well as key stations of the Customs and Excise Division in Trinidad and Tobago, and other related law enforcement agencies. The computer in Tobago is functioning but is not in use due to the lack of ASYCUDA software, a customs management system. The 25 laptop computers and three desktop computers donated to the Board of Inland Review are fully functional. The attorneys and new criminal tax investigators use the equipment daily. The two Compaq computers, printers, and monitors have served their useful life but continue to be operational at the Ministry of Health. Computers and associated peripherals were installed at the Board of Inland Revenue. Criminal Investigation Unit members were trained on the equipment and in investigative techniques in early 2003. Legal and Enforcement training was done in January 2004. This equipment continues to be operational. One of the two computer workstations, donated to the Joint Operations Command Center (JOCC) is used to transmit information to and from the El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC),while the other serves as a backup. The computer and copier provided to the OCNFB are housed at the Piarco Airport. Each has limited functionality and is in need of repairs and/or replacement. The computers donated to Counter-Drug and Crime Task Force (CDCTF) operations and administrative center were used throughout the year, but need to be replaced. The copier's useful life has expired but it has not yet been disposed of. The Trinidad and Tobago Judiciary received computers in 2004-2005 for the Audio Digital Court Recording Systems. The equipment is used to improve the existing method of taking Notes of Evidence by hand, decreasing trial time by 50% and production of the Notes of Evidence for judgment and appeals by the same All of the computers and other equipment are fully functional and are deployed at the St. George West Magistrates Court and the Supreme Court. The TTGOV further expanded this project with the purchase of 48 additional systems between 2005-2008, thereby allowing for the complete installation at the Magistrates' Courts. It is anticipated that all courtrooms within the Judiciary will be fully equipped by the end of 2011. ¶F. Communications Equipment ¶15. (SBU) The Organized Crime and Narcotics Unit's (OCNU) 30 hand-held radios are in the field, at Piarco Airport and at OCNU's headquarters. The ten radios provided to the Interpol Liaison Office were in use throughout the year. They were used to conduct communications between Interpol, other TTPS units and the TT Customs and Excise Division. All are in good condition; however, all will need to be upgraded to meet current technological requirements. ¶G. Miscellaneous ¶16. (SBU) The kool kube, battering ram, handcuffs, tape recorders, binoculars, bullet proof vests (70),camera kit, chainsaws, electronic surveillance equipment, night vision goggles and brush cutters are all operational and in use by the OCNFB. All equipment is kept at headquarters and assigned for specific missions; it is not distributed to individual officers. The boots, bulletproof vests, chainsaws, and brush cutters, were particularly valuable as defenses against booby traps planted by marijuana growers. The brush cutters have been serviced and are operating at an acceptable level. The two TT Defense Force (TTDF) hand-held Global Positioning System receivers were fully functional and in use throughout the year. The unit is regularly used during marijuana eradication operations to help locate marijuana fields and to position troops. The night scopes and other electronic surveillance units assisted in locating go-fast contacts that would have normally been missed during nocturnal operations. The Redman gear and gym mats have greatly enhanced the ability of TT Customs and Excise to train its officers in both hand-to-hand combat and personal defense. The handcuffs provided to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) are used to transport prisoners to and from court and in general police work. The digital camera and micro-cassette recorders were used throughout the year to record interviews and interrogations of suspects. They have a direct correlation to a higher success rate with regard to prosecutions based on such interviews. Three of the four digital cameras provided to the TTPS are functioning. These cameras are used at crime scenes to document evidence and for mug shots. While these photos have not been used in court as evidence, investigators have used the photographs to identify crime scene areas that needed further exploration. TTPS' editing VCR was fully functional and used throughout the year. It has greatly improved the audiovisual section's ability to produce high quality drug education and public service videos. INL provided 70 bulletproof vests protect TTPS officers during law enforcement operations. Thirty (30) iron beds as well as woodworking equipment are at the Piparo empowerment center. All items are in good condition and in use by the Piparo residents. The TV and the VCR provided to the Police Youth Club have significantly increased the number of children exposed to the counter drug videos. Having the equipment on site has allowed greater flexibility in terms of when the videos can be shown. All of the items are in good condition and were in use throughout the year. The Ion scanner provided to the Airport Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (AATT) remains minimally operational due to power surges that damage the sensitive equipment. ¶H. Canines ¶17. (SBU) Four explosive detection canines arrived in country in June 2005; two were donated to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and two to the Customs and Excise Division. In 2006, four additional canines were acquired: one cadaver-locating dog, two narcotics dogs and one tactical/narcotics dog for a total of six dogs. All of the dogs continue to be used extensively at the airports and other points of entry, in addition to being used in the explosive detection unit. They have conducted over 200 operations including search of outgoing and incoming passenger's baggage, import and export cargo, courier packages, major high profile events and during several bomb threats. They have assisted in the capture of over 25kg of marijuana, and approx 5kg of cocaine. When seen carrying out their duties, these canines convey a sense of security to the public. However, these dogs have been over-worked and may need to be replaced soon. ¶I. Problems ¶18. (SBU) The INL program employs a full time INL Specialist to staff the office and to monitor equipment use. In spite of meetings with officials responsible for compiling data for the end use report, Post continues to experience delays in receiving the necessary reports from GOTT counterparts. The GOTT requires that the Office of the Minister of National Security approve all reports. This procedure causes significant delays. Post is otherwise unaware of any significant problems in the course of the year's equipment use. Adequate staffing remains the biggest obstacle in narcotics and law enforcement. The GOTT continues to take steps to ease their manpower shortage, but some government entities still do not have the required manpower to fully use the INL-funded services and commodities provided. There are no unmonitored commodities. -------------- SPECIAL COMMODITIES -------------- ¶A. Aircraft Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard Cessna: 2 C-26: 2 ¶B. Vehicle Organized Crime Narcotics and Firearms Bureau Toyota Corolla PBR 6763: 1 Toyota Corolla PRB 6764: 1 Nissan Almera PBR 6751: 1 Nissan Almera PBR 6752: 1 ¶C. Vessels Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard 82-foot Class Patrol craft: 4 Combat Rigid Raiding Craft: 4 Bowen Go-Fast boats: 2 Zodiac (RHIBS): 3 40-foot Midnight Express: 2 Trinidad and Tobago Customs and Excise 29-foot Phantom interceptors: 2 30-foot Boston Whaler: 1 -------------- PROGRAM IMPACT BY COMMODITY/SERVICE -------------- Interdiction ¶19. (SBU) The GOTT conducted marijuana eradication operations resulting in the capture of 2,092 kg of cannabis. Additionally, GOTT improved training and general maintenance of aircraft over the year. As in previous years, the GOTT funded repairs of its vehicles and vessels and will likely continue this practice in the coming year. Benefiting from INL-funded equipment and training, GOTT law enforcement agencies apprehended 43couriers at airports attempting to smuggle narcotics into the United States. Drug officials have noticed an increase in utilizing drug mules for smuggling. According to GOTT law enforcement personnel, marijuana eradication operations occurred almost daily. The GOTT provided significant resources for the TTAG by upgrading its two C-26 aircraft with maritime sensor packages. Post noted that GOTT law enforcement entities and the DEA jointly initiated 6 ongoing investigations in 2009. Additionally, the Defense Force participated in their first JIATF South joint operation, Carib Venture, in October 2009. Aircraft ¶20. (SBU) The Cessna and C-26 aircrafts flew 285 missions, logging over 394 flying hours, which included patrol, support, training, and counternarcotics missions. However, a continued lack of reporting by the TTCG and TTAG made it difficult to determine if the intelligence gathered by the C-26 had been utilized. The sensor/maintenance has greatly enhanced the Air Wing's ability to patrol the area surrounding Trinidad and Tobago. Vessels ¶21. (SBU) The Combat Rigid Raiding Craft (CRRC),the one operational Bowen Go-Fast boat, the four 82-foot patrol boats and the two 40-foot interceptors conducted over 90 patrols and intercepted an undisclosed amount of marijuana and cocaine as well as small arms, ammunition and other contraband. The two 29-foot Phantoms and the other Customs vessels have played a key role in monitoring the nation's coast and surrounding waters. During 2009, Customs officials conducted more than 170 counter-drug/law enforcement patrols and frequently operated in conjunction with TTCG and other GOTT law enforcement agencies when performing those operations. However, the operations of the Customs Marine Interdiction Unit (MIU) continue to suffer some restriction due to staff shortages. Computer Equipment ¶22. (SBU) The implementation of the Audio Digital Recording Systems has decreased trial time by approximately 65% and production of Notes of Evidence for judgment and appeals by the same percentage. The increased pace allows the litigation of more cases to be disposed of during this period than were filed. This reduces the court backlog, shortens the appeal process and provides the accused with faster and more efficient access to justice. Even though more cases are being heard, the total number of cases has significantly increased, causing a continued backlog in the judicial system. Only two (2) of the Counterdrug and Crime Task Force (CDCTF) computers are being used at this time for storage purposes. However, due to the age of the computers (13yrs)they have served their useful life and need to be disposed of and replaced with current technology. The computers located at the Ministry of Legal Affairs have assisted the IPO in becoming a fully automated entity by complementing and enhancing its technological capabilities. The computers increase the range of access to the patent information services and provide current transactions of all intellectual property applications. The IPO has successfully captured and validated all patent and trademark records and continues to expand the scope of the data captured to include classification of figurative elements and patent diagrams. Vehicles ¶23. (SBU) The vehicles allow the OCNFB to conduct surveillance and interdict narcotics trafficking throughout the islands of Trinidad and Tobago Canines ¶24. (SBU) The Canine Academy continues to be one of Post's most successful programs to date. The dogs have performed Over 200 exercises resulting in the seizure of 25 kg of marijuana and 5g of cocaine. Miscellaneous ¶25. (SBU) Suspended school students spend their day at the PYC where they receive assistance with their studies rather than remaining at home or on the street. The television and VCR have significantly increased the number of children exposed to PYC's counterdrug videos. On-site equipment has allowed greater flexibility of when and how frequently club members are exposed to counterdrug videos. The ping pong table is an additional incentive to spend free time at the PYC. The computer equipment is being used to help members with their studies and to teach basic computer skills. These skills continue to enhance their ability to obtain future employment, rather than potentially get involved in drug trafficking. -------------- PROBLEMS AND CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN -------------- ¶A. Unmonitored Resources - N/A ¶B. Repair and Maintenance of Commodities ¶26. (SBU) Even though GOTT repairs and maintains the majority of donated commodities; there are still a number of inoperable items. Future LOA's are expected to include a requirement for service agreements to enable the GOTT to repair vehicles, vessels, equipment when needed to minimize downtime. ¶C. Lack of use or Misuse ¶27. (SBU) The Ion Scan machine was donated to the Airport Authority; however, this unit is not in use. Consequently, no arrests can be attributed to this machine. Post will continue to encourage the equipment's use. ¶D. Disposal of Commodities ¶28. (SBU) Due to technological advancements, normal shelf life, and cost of maintenance; GOTT has several items that need to be disposed. Post offered assistance to the GOTT on these matters and now intends to work with GSO and INL Wash to have the commodities disposed of by the end of the current year. ¶E. Other Problems ¶29. (SBU) Equipment reports from GOTT are not always accurate; consequently end use monitoring is time consuming. Post is otherwise unaware of any significant problems in the course of the year's equipment use. Kusnitz