NATIONAL Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage yesterday underscored the importance of anti-terrorism training given that the country’s close proximity to the United States made it a prime location for exploitation.
Dr Nottage spoke at a graduation ceremony for Royal Bahamas Police Force officers that participated in an Interdicting Terrorist Activity course, sponsored by the US Embassy’s Anti-Terrorism Assistance Programme.
“Although we have not been directly impacted, we see the effects everyday as Bahamians and those visiting traverse the airport and experience the many security features in place,” he said at police headquarters.
“The Bahamas’ proximity to the United States and our tourism industry makes us a prime location for exploitation; hence the need for this training was of vital importance.”
The areas covered by the course include intelligence gathering, human rights, partnerships, surveillance, counter surveillance, strategy, operational intelligence and the establishment of a Terrorist Interdiction Unit.
Addressing participants, Dr Nottage said: “I am told that you performed extremely well and that you have brought credit to yourselves, the force and your country.
He added: “Fostering trust and partnerships with the public to garner greater assistance in the efforts to interdict terrorist activists has been proven to be key in collecting intelligence in general.”
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment
Or login with:
OpenID