PRESENTATION OF H.E GLENDA MOREAN PHILLIP,
HIGH COMMISSIONER, LONDON,
AT THE STEEL CUTTING CEREMONY FOR TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO OFFSHORE PATROL VESSEL (OPV), UK PROJECT JANUARY 23, 2008, PORTSMOUTH

I am pleased to be here this afternoon to represent the Government of Trinidad and Tobago at this steel cutting ceremony for the Off Shore Patrol Vessels. These vessels have been ordered for the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, in particular, the Coast Guard arm to facilitate its task of securing the coastline of not just our Country but also other parts of neighbouring CARICOM space against sea-borne threats. 

Permit me to extend a warm welcome to the representatives of the Ministry of National Security who are here with us today to witness this very important event.

On behalf of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago I want to congratulate all the stakeholders whose, efforts have made today’s ceremony possible, including the Defence Attache, Lt. Col. Alfonso, who has been providing on-the- ground representation for the High Commission, and by extension, the Government, at all stages of the process leading up to today’s ceremony.

The provision of state-of-the-art equipment to the Coast Guard is a prerequisite for the efficient discharge of its mandate, which includes carrying out surveillance and protecting the territorial waters of Trinidad and Tobago against the importation of illegal drugs, arms and ammunition into the country; safeguarding the country’s gas and petroleum-related assets and marine environment and providing assistance in disaster relief operations within the Caribbean region.

As well, in the face of the events of September 11th in New York and July 07th in the U K, and of the global terrorism threat, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has heightened its focus on homeland defence and reducing the vulnerability of our Country to terrorist attacks and criminal elements. 

As you may be aware, Trinidad and Tobago is situated just off the coast of South America and provides a major transport gateway to other Islands in the Caribbean, South America, North America and Europe.  Its strategic location is therefore a blessing, in that it contributes to the success of

the economy, and a curse, in that it provides an ideal transhipment point to criminal elements that attempt to utilise its territorial waters and coastline. 

Today’s exercise is therefore a keenly anticipated step in the development thrust of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago towards securing our territorial waters and the Country as a whole against criminal and other destructive elements.

In keeping with the agreement signed between the Government of Trinidad and Tobago  and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and VT Shipbuilding International in April of 2007, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago is looking forward to taking delivery of the three (3) Off Shore Patrol Vessels that are being constructed,  the first of which would be delivered in twenty-four (24) months, the second within seven (7) months thereafter and the third vessel to be delivered ten (10) months after the second.
 
Let me also say that both the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago are eagerly anticipating the arrival of  these Off Shore Patrol Vessels.  2010 may seem a long time off but there is much work to be done within that timeframe in terms of ensuring that our Coast Guard and other personnel are trained and fully equipped to maximize the benefits to be derived from the acquisition of the three vessels and the overall upgrade of ancillary equipment.

Murphy’s Law being what it is, we expect that there may be challenges.  What we do not expect and hope not to encounter are significant slippages of deadlines that will cause setbacks in the delivery of the vessels.
I therefore want to challenge all the stakeholders of the project, to put your best efforts forward towards the success of this project.
You are an integral part of the process of repositioning the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Coast Guard for its new and expanded role.
 On behalf of my Government, I thank you for your support and for the opportunity to be a part of today’s event.