The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force has officially commissioned two new marine vessels.
The vessels, Sea Enforcer II and Sea Protector II, were commissioned during a ceremony attended by senior government and law enforcement officials, including Governor Dileeni Daniel Selveratnam, Premier Charles Washington Misick, Deputy Governor Anya Williams and Police Commissioner Fitz Bailey. The new vessels are expected to strengthen the Force’s maritime capabilities, including territorial water patrols, border security, search and rescue operations, and efforts to combat illegal migration and transnational organised crime.
Commissioner Bailey said the vessels form part of his vision for a stronger and more modern Police Force, with enhanced capabilities and sustainable systems to address the country’s evolving security needs.
Jamaica’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, Dr Horace Chang, also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in tackling increasingly complex security threats, while reaffirming Jamaica’s commitment to collaboration with the RTCIPF.
But following the commissioning ceremony, the PDM is questioning the cost of the vessels and calling for an independent examination of the procurement process. The Opposition says Government has announced a cost of US1.35millionforthe38-footvessel and US1.74 million for the 45-foot vessel, a combined US$3.09 million.
Opposition Leader Edwin Astwood says taxpayers deserve to know exactly what was purchased for that amount The PDM points to publicly available 2023 U.S. government procurement figures for similar SAFE vessels, while acknowledging that those historical prices do not represent equivalent quotations for the Turks and Caicos vessels and may exclude separately priced equipment, propulsion and other options. The party is calling for the Auditor General, supported by an independent marine surveyor, to conduct a procurement and value-for-money examination.
It wants the review to examine supplier selection, contracts, invoices, equipment, freight, training, warranties, intermediaries, commissions, contract variations and payment approvals. The PDM is also calling for confirmation that both vessels have passed their required surveys and sea trials, whether any defects or outstanding work remain, who authorised their acceptance and operational deployment, and whether trained crews, maintenance funding and spare-parts arrangements are in place. The Opposition is also asking when the vessels will begin active patrol duties.
Astwood says the Government should provide answers within seven days and explain any outstanding work. The PDM says it supports strengthening the Marine Branch, but argues that the investment should demonstrate safe equipment, dependable service and value for money.
