PHOTO: EU Lead, House’s Chair on Defense, Defense, Justice bosses & AFL COS pose for photo with trained operators
The European Union (EU) has officially handed over two state-of-the-art boats and technical equipment the Liberia Coast Guard under the Support to West Africa Integrated Maritime Security Project.
Speaking during the handing over ceremony, the Team Lead of the European Union delegation to Liberia, Anna Brzozowska, said these assets will significantly enhance Liberia’s maritime security capabilities and strengthen the operational readiness of the Liberia Coast Guard.
According to the EU Team Lead, the boats, which were built at the Narwhal Boats SL shipyards, are about 9-meter the boats were designed to operate in demanding maritime conditions and the vessels can reach speeds of up to 54 knots and have an operational range of 200 nautical miles at maximum speed.
According to her, there are also forensic kits in each of the boats to help ensure that the authorities act, they can build cases properly, preserve evidence carefully and support accountability on shore
Receiving the boats on behalf of the Liberian government, National Defense Minister, Geraldine George, reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to regional cooperation, maritime governance and the promotion of safety and security throughout the Liberia’s maritime space.
On behalf of President Joseph Boakai, the Liberian Defense Minister thanked the European Union and the West African regional organization, ECOWAS, for the presentation of the two boats.
The Defense Minister also encouraged the operators of the two boats to utilize them responsibly, maintain them properly and deploy them effectively in the execution of their duties.
Remarking on behalf of President Joseph Boakai, Justice Minister, Osward Tweh, expressed appreciation to the EU and ECOWAS for giving consideration to Liberia in the project.
According to the Justice Minister, Liberia will always cooperate with the regional organization and integrational partners in the maintenance in the maritime sector.
Meanwhile, the Officer-In-Charge of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency has appealed to the Ministry of National Defense to include LDEA agents in the next training program in operating high speed boats.
Deputy Commissioner Fitzgerald Biago, did not give the reason for request but it seems that the LDEA is dreaming of establishing a sea patrol unit.
At the end of the program certificates were awarded to members of the Liberia Coast Guard who were trained to steer the boats
The program, which was held at the base of the Liberia Cost Guard, was graced by representatives of the National Port Authority, National Oil Company of Liberia, members of the national legislature, among many others.