KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC -Japan has donated five state-of-the-art inshore patrol vessels to Jamaica, saying they will enable the security forces to respond effectively to a wide range of maritime threats and play a crucial role in search-and-rescue operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response efforts.
“Our island nations, Japan and Jamaica, are surrounded by vast seas and ocean waters. Likewise, it is our shared responsibility to safeguard these oceans, as these waters provide us with a wealth of resources and opportunities as well as significant challenges in our respective maritime domain, which is vulnerable to climate change, illegal human and narcotics smuggling, illegal and unregulated fishing, and other maritime threats,” said Japan’s Ambassador to Jamaica, Yasuhiro Atsum.
In presenting the vessels to the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the diplomat said that the ship will enable the security forces to effectively respond to a wide range of maritime threats and play a crucial role in search-and-rescue operations.
“These vessels will complement the training already received in 2022 by an officer from Jamaica’s Ministry of National Security, who participated in the JICA’s (Japan International Cooperation Agency’s) training program in Japan for maritime rescue and maritime disaster prevention,” he said.
He hoped “these vessels will operate efficiently, stay sustainable, and serve as a physical symbol of the strong bond between Japan and Jamaica.”
The vessels were provided under Japan’s J$420-million (One Jamaica dollar = 0.008 cents) Grant Aid Programme. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang told the ceremony that strengthening Jamaica’s maritime infrastructure is welcome and essential, given the transshipment of contraband and other nefarious activities across Jamaica’s territorial space.
“The maritime economy is also of growing importance for Jamaica, and we have to ensure that we can protect it, and not only protect it but also exploit the marine area around Jamaica and Jamaica’s economic space in the ocean. That means we have to have an effective maritime
Presence is where the command of the JDF takes priority; each addition and expansion of its capacity is welcome and necessary,” he said.
Chang appreciated Japan’s importance of ocean-going patrol vessels, air patrol support, and coastal radars in securing Jamaica’s coastlines and territorial waters. He was optimistic that “they’ll contribute to the continued reduction in criminal activity.
“Once we can intercept the criminals at sea, it takes some of the criminal assets offshore,” Chang added.
Vice Admiral Antonette Wemyss-Gorman, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), said, “The inshore patrol vessels will increase the JDF’s maritime law-enforcement capabilities to effect its duties in the maritime domain.”
She said that the vessels will better equip the Maritime Air and Cyber Command, through the First and Second District of the JDF Coast Guard, to conduct maritime interdiction, fisheries protection, and search-and-rescue operations.
Wemyss-Gorman said securing Jamaica’s borders is critical to prevent the trafficking of illegal drugs, guns, and ammunition in the nation’s territorial waters.
“If we are to achieve the much-needed reduction in violent crimes, we have to exercise dominance over our maritime space. The challenges we face in the maritime domain are widespread across the Caribbean and require increased cooperation and collaboration with our neighbors and international partners. So, we thank the government of Japan for its contribution to securing Jamaica’s maritime domain and blue economy,” she added.
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