T&T is in the process of receiving two new aircraft to enhance border security.
Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley made the revelation on Monday, adding that the United States will be replacing the current fleet of aged Air Guard aircraft.
Speaking at a Press Conference on Monday, he said: “As we renewed these discussions recently, I am pleased to announce that the discussions are bearing fruit and we are in the process and, listen to me carefully, we are in the process of receiving from the United States two new specialist aircraft to replace the ones that we have here.”
Dr Rowley said: “They don’t only serve Trinidad and Tobago but the Caribbean because if there is a loss in Grenada or St Vincent at sea, there is an emergency, it is Trinidad and Tobago’s assets that are immediately called into play as a first responder . . . not to mention our own borders patrolling it from constant attempt by South Americans to penetrate our borders.”
Dr Rowley assured that there will be more on the status of the acquisition. He expressed cautious optimism following a recent meeting between Caricom heads meeting with US Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss initiatives to improve regional security, including the establishment of a Crime Gun Intelligence Unit.
However, he admitted that he is uneasy about some recent legal matters: “My biggest concern and fear is the threat currently posed to us by legal actions, or supposed legal actions in Trinidad and Tobago which have put the nation’s national security at great peril. I will tell you more at the appropriate time, at the appropriate place.”