Thursday, October 8 2009

PRIME MINISTER Patrick Manning yesterday held discussions with officials from the French government about strengthening regional security to combat the illegal drug trade. A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said Manning met with French Admiral Phillipe Arnould and French Ambassador to TT Michel Triniquier at his St Clair office yesterday.

During the discussions, which touched on matters such as regional air and sea patrols, Arnould assured the Prime Minister that French naval capabilities based in Martinique are being used to combat drug trafficking activities in the Caribbean. Arnould was optimistic that TT’s border security operations will be significantly enhanced with the arrival of three offshore patrol vessels from Britain and other security assets. He was confident that regional security co-operation between TT and France will be further strengthened once these assets are in place.

In stating that both countries should strengthen their security cooperation, Manning reiterated his long standing view there should be greater collaboration amongst interest holders in the region to protect the islands from illegal activities which are largely responsible for the rise in domestic crime.