The motor vessel ‘Predator’ which was damaged during the passage of hurricane Irma in 2017 has been fully repaired and is now back with the fleet at Her Majesty’s Customs.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Mr. Clinton Romney said now that the vessel has been repaired, there will now be an increase in patrols of the Territory’s waters.

Mr. Romney said, “We expect to work closer to combat drug smuggling and human trafficking that has plagued not only the Customs Department, the Immigration Department and the Police Department, but the wider Territory.”

Acting Commissioner of Customs Mr. Leslie Lettsome said while the M/V Predator was being repaired, the M/V Vigilante was used to carry out the responsibilities of the department.

Mr. Lettsome said, “We work hand in hand with our fellow agencies, the Police and Immigration Department, the challenges are very great. First and foremost we have to focus on safety and security of our borders to ensure that the residents and visitors of the territory can sleep comfortably at night. We cannot do that unless we have the right resources to do so.”

Meanwhile, Financial Secretary Mr. Glenroy Forbes commended the Acting Commissioner of Customs and his team for their patience and for doing their best with limited resources to secure the Territory’s borders.

Mr. Forbes said, “During this particular time when there is a competing need for limited resources, it is fitting that the previous administration saw the need to make the funds available to repair the vessel.”

The vessel was dedicated at the Elizabeth Ann-Harris Memorial Marine Base on April 11.

Her Majesty’s Customs seeks to serve Government and the public with professionalism, fairness and integrity by, providing quality service, maximising the collection of revenue, protecting our Territorial borders and facilitating legitimate trade efficiently, effectively and economically in order to safeguard the well-being and security of the Territory.

Photos ttached (Photo credit: GIS/ Franklin Skerrit):

Photo 1: Motor Vessel Predator

Photo 2: Acting Deputy Commissioner Mr. Clinton Romney

Photo 3: Financial Secretary Mr. Glenroy A. Forbes