Brac marine unit to boost crime fight
(CNS): The RCIPS has established a marine unit on Cayman Brac. Police said that the deployment of a Typhon vessel on the Sister Islands will help law enforcement agencies deter crime and improve safety and security with the permanent presence of a Joint Marine Unit (JMU). From its base of operations on the Brac, the primary purpose is to provide search and rescue, maritime security and border protection operations specifically for the Sister Islands. “We are aware that with limited maritime patrols the likelihood of drugs, guns and illegal persons being introduced into our community increases and the JMU-CYB detachment is an important part of our response to mitigate these risks and threats,” said Insp. Ian Yearwood, commander of the JMU.
“The particular vessel selected for this deployment is equipped to allow us to successfully operate in various scenarios, while ensuring both the safety of its operators and other persons who may be on-board,” he added
The JMU-CYB detachment has been designated one dedicated patrol vessel and a team of officers from the Immigration Department, HM Customs & Excise, the RCIPS and Department of Environment.
The Typhoon can be launched from multiple locations on the Island and can operate within the confines of the reef, on openwater at extended ranges, as well as in adverse conditions.
“The presence of the Joint Marine Unit will greatly enhance the border protection and search and rescue capabilities in the Sister Islands,” said Deputy Premier and Sister Islands representative, Minister Moses Kirkconnell.
“The Joint Marine Unit will also provide invaluable assistance to the tourism sector which attracts numerous visitors, particularly divers, to our shores each year. Should an unfortunate incident arise at sea having a professional unit available in the local area that can quickly and efficiently respond makes a significant difference when timing is a factor. I commend the collaboration of officers from allof the respective law enforcement agencies and look forward to working with them for the benefit of our Sister Islands’ residents and visitors,” he added.
Detective Superintendent Robert Scotland, and officer responsible for the Specialist Operations portfolio in which the JMU resides, said he was confident of positive results from having a presence on the Brac.
“One of the immediate benefits we have already seen is the improved working relationship between the officers from the Police, Customs, Immigration and Department of Environment who form the core JMU-CYB team. There is a lot of synergy here and the team is coming together very nicely,” he said.
The RCIPS offered thanks to the ministries of district administration and home affairs, district commissioner Ernie Scott and his team and all of the other persons who worked behind the scenes to establish the unit and make this project a reality.
Category: Crime
While I think this is a good thing and will make a difference I can't help but notice that the REAL person behind this has not been mentioned.
This officer has even put his career on the line trying to make the MU a professional, organized operational unit. He has always advocated for the MU to become separate and apart from the RCIPS and transition into a proper Coast Guard unit.
He has never looked for praise for what he did, he did it for the good of the country and the officers of the MU who put their lives on the line.
As someone who personally knows the sacrifices that this officer, and his family, has made, and continues to make, I think it is shameful that even in this the RCIPS could not tell the truth and recognize his efforts. As usual the cudos go to the Johnny-Come-Lately's and only did what he had already set in place.
I find it even more appalling what they are still trying to do to him.
The advice I give to him is to keep the faith, keep your head up. Don't let them win and bring you down. Keep fighting and the truth of the whole situation WILL come out and those responsible WILL be held to account for their actions and will NOT be allowed to hide.
The truth WILL be known.
Here, here. Well said. I too know of this officers predicament and will say to him "keep your head high".
I find it interesting though that with all the "official comments" made by the RCIPS that none of the media outlets have picked up on his story. Can it be that they missed it or that they have been instructed to keep quite.
What I can say is that knowing the case, as I do, when this officer does release what he has this "Operation Tempura" will look like a kitten compared to the lion that he's got.
Why hasn't the Ministers got into it?
I'll bet you then these media outlets will be breaking their necks to get exclusives.
He's even got the copies of the missing information from the servers that the RCIPS claimed crashed. I've seen the documents and can tell you that with what he's got its no wonder they crashed them. Yeh, I said they cause it's obvious why they did it.
Maybe some day soon he will be recognized for what he has sacrificed for the love of his country.
As the saying goes, AND THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREE!!!!
Listen to the Hog wash made by the 2 intial post. This isnt about an officer being praised its about border protection in the sister islands which is much needed. As for damaged boats trucks etc has anyone thought about the capacity in which these vessels are used? The conditions day in and day out what do you expect will happen.
Hope this one last a while longer than the previous boats, trucks etc., that has been mashed up/destroyed in less than no time, being used for personal use for work at LC, fishing trips or family and friends fun day out. Plenty of petrol be used up for personal use to LC. Those big engines drink a lot. Just hope this one be used for the purpose that it should be, and seen that it does by the powers that be.
What has the DOE got to do with border security? They need need to be protecting our marine life, if the officer in the Brac wants to play policeman then I suggest he join the police force!
Typical of the police not even mentioning our poaching problem, guess they don't think it's important enough. I'm sure they'll know how important it is when there's nothing left.
When are the officers getting some powers? Seems like the NCL has been put to rest.
I would guess the Doe officer got named in to this because previously, when they needed someone to do a rescue, thats who they called.
You're right about the noticeable lack of 'we the police will arrest poachers' though.
Social employment CYB style. Another waste of money to give more jobs to cousins in the Brac.
When unna out, get me about 10 pounds turbits please!!!
Yet another toy to be used for personal deliveries to LYB and destroyed in year or less.
Get your facts right first. That vessel M/V Typhoon has been serving the Marine DTF Unit a very long time, and, NOT destroyed yet! Negativity before factuality!!!
Saw them at sea the other day. Looked to be ferrying a jerk stand from Little Cayman to the Brac. Yummy!
JERK?
The transhipment of drugs, guns, and illegal persons is not a theoretical possibility; it is the current seemingly unimpeded reality. Those involved in that industry are many years ahead of the Cayman Islands interdiction game – sea-hardened with well-beaten trade routes and powerful friends. Go knock the wind out of their sails and close some of the border with regular arrests, search and seizures.
Considering that EVERYONE knows shipments of contraband travel directly past the Brac to Grand Cayman from Jamaica, I am surprised there wasn't already a permanent marine police unit stationed in the Brac… Wait I take that back I'm not surprised.
A boat will easily findthe missing billion and stop the govt clowns from stealing anymore