The Bahamas and the United States governments renewed their commitment to the fight against drug trafficking, by signing an amendment to the Letter of Agreement on Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.
A Signing Ceremony was held Thursday, May 3, 2012 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Brent Symonette and U S Charge’ d’ Affaires John Dinkelman signed on behalf of both governments.
The agreement calls for an increase in funding from $1.2 million to $2.41 million for the fiscal year 2012 to 2013.
Mr. Symonette underscored the importance of maintaining diplomatic relations and friendly ties between both countries.
“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. Your country’s contributions to these efforts are most noteworthy and commendable,” he said.
The Bahamas has also partnered with various local, regional and international bodies in an effort to address the illegal narcotics trade, and interdict, apprehend and prosecute drug offenders, Mr. Symonette said.
“These offenders are increasingly persistent and in this regard we have to continue to coordinate our resources to increase our fight against this international challenge,” he said.
In this vein, he said The Bahamas was grateful for the US funding, which will support technical capacity of the Police Force and strengthening counter narcotics control capabilities.
“Through efforts to strengthen counter-narcotics our countries will experience increased exchanges of information between those in the field and those creating policy direction.
“This will give rise to more openness and transparency. These are all ideals and objectives which The Bahamas fully supports,” Mr. Symonette said.
By Lindsay Thompson
Bahamas Information Services
