Security Minister Dr Horace Chang, in an address at the handing-over ceremony at the Jamaica Defense Force Coast Guard Headquarters in Port Royal, Kingston, said it was his pleasure to represent the Government at such an important ceremony, knowing the struggles the island has had with an inflow of illegal guns as well as being a trans-shipment point for narcotics. He also said the boats will assist with the protection of Jamaica’s blue economy from poachers.

“I am confident that it will contribute to the continued reduction in criminal activity. Once we can intercept criminals at sea, it will take some of the criminal assets offshore. It is the strengthening of our security apparatus to ensure we can continue to reduce the homicide rate and criminal violence across our country. We have had some successes and I commend the security forces — Jamaica Defence Force and police force — for the efforts and time they have put in and for the use they have made of the assets they have been provided with. We appreciate the contribution of the Japanese Government to strengthen our security teams. We will continue the work to ensure that we have a safe country,” Chang said. Between January 1 and April 5, Jamaica has recorded 191 murders, which is a 35.9 per cent reduction when compared to the corresponding period in 2024.

“We have, coming through Jamaica, all manner of contraband which we don’t desire to have. That has contributed significantly to the violence in our territory. We don’t manufacture guns. They come in from all angles, from the north, south and from the west. They find their way to Jamaica and we have to take steps to protect our borders and protect our population. The maritime economy is also of growing importance to Jamaica and we have to ensure that we can protect it,” Chang added. He pointed out that Jamaica has a very strategic location and from the days of the pirates and some people have discovered that this is a good place in the Caribbean to launch from and to transship from. The minister said that each addition and expansion to the capacity of the security forces is welcomed. (Jamaica Observer/ Garfield Robinson)