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).



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BACKGROUND

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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.



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MONITORING PROCEDURES

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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



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STATUS - COMMODITIES

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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.



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SPECIAL COMMODITIES

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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



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PROGRAM IMPACT BY COMMODITY/SERVICE


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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.



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PROBLEMS AND CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN

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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