Premier Pledges Continued Cooperation in Anti-Drug Efforts
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| Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE delivering remarks at USVI Quarterly Executive Committee Meeting of High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). Photo Credit: Mr. Doron Hodge/GIS |
Roadtown, Tortola- Anti-drug trafficking and human smuggling initiatives were the focus of discussions today as Government hosted the USVI Quarterly Executive Committee Meeting of High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).
About 20 participants representing a variety of agencies including Her Majesty’s Customs, USVI Police Department and National Guard, the United States Coast Guard, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) attended the meeting.
Addressing participants at the start of the meeting, Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE said it represents “another example of inter-island cooperation to combat trans-national crime especially in the areas of drug smuggling and human trafficking.”
Noting the change in the dynamics of border control, Honourable O’Neal observed that “human trafficking is now more of a challenge than drug smuggling.” The Premier called on the delegates to develop new strategies to curb illicit activities bearing in mind the increasing sophistication of criminals and the resulting challenge created for law enforcement agencies.
Honourable O’Neal pledged Government’s commitment to continue cooperating with its neighbours in the ongoing fight against
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| A cross-section of the BVI and USVI law enforcement officials attending the one-day USVI Quarterly Executive Committee Meeting of High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).Photo Credit: Mr. Doron Hodge/GIS |
drug and human trafficking. “I would like to assure this meeting of my Government’s commitment to provide the necessary resources to strengthen our maritime operations to ensure that both the BVI and USVI borders are protected from criminal elements,” he said.
Noting criminals’ lack of respect for the borders of countries, the Premier said cooperation is essential.
According to the Premier “It is therefore the emerging consensus of the international community that the foundation of a more secure and prosperous future lies in improved cooperation between countries and the strengthening of international institutions that facilitate the cooperation.”
The Premier was also high in praise for the Territory’s law enforcement officials whom he described as “unsung heroes.”
~~Adz:Left~~ “You patrol our waters; you secure our airports and seaports; you stand watch over our borders,” Honourable O’Neal said. He added “the reality is that when most of us are sleeping soundly, the various task forces are out patrolling our waters to prevent criminal activity.”
Today’s meeting included presentations on HM Customs, Gun Tracing and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.HIDTA’s goal is to disrupt the market for illegal drugs by dismantling drug trafficking and money laundering organisations and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of its initiatives.
British Virgin Islands News