The Tribune

By CELESTE NIXON

Tribune Staff Reporter

cnixon@tribunemedia.net

THE United States has given the Bahamas $2.5 million to strengthen the country’s fight against drug trafficking.

In what will be his last official event as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Brent Symonette signed an amendment to a Letter of Agreement on Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement between the Bahamas and the United States as part of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative, which increased funding to $2.41 million for various initiatives and programmes.

During the signing ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday, Mr Symonette said the agreement renews the mutual commitment to diplomatic relations between the Bahamas and the United States, in their dedication to combat narcotics and strengthen law enforcement.

He said: “The illicit trafficking of Dangerous Drugs has deeply threatened the integrity of our borders as well as compromised the security of our nation and impacting our quality of life as it stands as a foundation from criminal activity.

“Our shared ideals for the interdiction, apprehension and prosecution of all drug offenders, seizing their ill-gotten gains have enabled us to work together to ensure a better quality and tranquility of life for all citizens of both our countries.”

Mr Symonette said the funding will go towards supporting existing initiatives, including Law Enforcement Professionalisation through increasing the technical capacity of Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the drug demand deduction project and strengthening counternarcotics control capabilities.

US Chargé d’Affaires John Dinkelman said that while drug trafficking has diminished significantly since the height of the drug trade in the 1980’s, it is important to continue joining efforts to combat the narcotics trade.

The renewed amendment will increase funding to better enable cooperation between both countries for counternarcotics and law enforcement efforts, said Mr Dinkelman.

He said: “It is a symbol of the United States’ steadfast support of the Government of The Bahamas and our shared commitment to enhancing security and promoting greater prosperity in the region.

“It is also a tool for keeping our joint efforts ever united, prepared, and vigilant against the criminals and smugglers who seek to jeopardise the safety of our citizens.”