BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, June 8th 2011(Customs PRO) - Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Georid Belle announced that the Customs and Excise Department has acquired a "marine asset" that would assist the department in achieving its border security enforcement roles.

Mr. Belle made this disclosure while featuring on Tuesday’s episode of Customs Corner which is a fortnightly Customs radio information broadcast, now aired on WINN 98.9FM.

The marine asset is a sixteen foot Zodiac Rigid Hull Inflatable vessel that improves the capabilities of the Customs to monitor seafaring activities and deter would be smugglers who ply the coastal waters.

Zodiac boats are considered superior and long lasting products. The company has had a record of making boats that have been used by military, government, and commercial customers since 1940.

The Customs’ Zodiac vessel which is expected to be commissioned before the close of June 2011 will be called Guardian 1.

Belle pointed out that the acquisition of the vessel would greatly enhance the capabilities of the department which is currently limited to "land assets". This expanded capability will help to identify threats and interdict in cases where needed.

The Customs Administration is confident that the commissioning of this vessel will help in the national effort to secure our borders as Customs Enforcement agents will continue to work very closely with the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, the Coast Guard Division of the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force and The Security Arm of the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority who are the Customs Department’s border security partners.
 
Belle recognised the role and efforts of one of the partner border security agencies’ as instrumental to the Customs Department having acquired this marine asset.

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