By RHONDOR DOWLAT Tuesday, September 8 2009

THE National Security Ministry was allocated $4.1 billion in the 2009/2010 Budget, an increase of $263 million as announced yesterday by Finance Minister Karen Nunez-Tesheira.

Nunez-Tesheira in her delivery revealed that in 2008 the National Security Council agreed to the engagement of the services of Retired Major General Cameron H Ross, a 35-year veteran of the Canadian Military and Strategic Security Review Expert, to conduct a review of the national security sector. She said that the review was conducted from September 2008 to February 2009 and there were in excess of 300 recommendations accepted by the Government, “which will assist in the transformation of the sector”.

To deal with drug-interdiction and anti-smuggling operations and also to assist in disaster relief operations within the Region, Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) and six Fast Patrol Crafts will expected to be delivered. The OPV will be able to accommodate high speed interceptors and helicopters. Nunez-Tesheira added that four helicopters will be acquired to complement the fleet of naval assets involved in missions of national defence and security, the enforcement of maritime law and safety.

The CCTV Network was expanded to provide more extensive coverage throughout TT.

She added that Government also purchased and refurbished a number of vehicles to increase the mobility of the Protective Services.