The Police Marine Section, Ruimveldt, on Monday received a $16M fibre glass boat to boost river patrols.
Police Commissioner Henry Greene after receiving the keys to the watercraft from Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee, said that it was the best that could have been procured with the funding received. He said that it is powered with four engines and had a cruising speed of 23 knots with the maximum speed being 38 knots. It also has a refrigerator, two burner stove, microwave, coffee maker, sinks, bathroom and “some other things” that are needed for comfort, he added.
Greene pointed out that over the years, the Force has had many different boats but never one like the fibre glass boat.
He stressed that piracy on the Demerara River has been a problem. He explained that persons use the river to attack businesses on both sides.
Greene added that they have managed to put patrols together which has resulted in a slow down of pirate attacks during the last three years.
He said that with the procurement of this boat and the one at the La Grange district, there will be effective patrolling of the waterway.
“I think that it has been a significant achievement that we were able to put those patrols together. We do have other patrols that are out there. I did indicate the need for us to have greater capabilities, to manage the water”, he said adding that patrolling the seas is of concern as this is one of the Force’s weak areas.
He noted that sometimes the police will join forces with the coast guard.
Greene, Minister Rohee, and several senior police officers later enjoyed a short trip along the Demerara River.
