A $1 million pledge by the UK government to improve Cayman’s radar surveillance and combat trafficking has been received along with associated funding, the Governor’s Office confirmed.
The marine domain awareness radar system will assist Cayman’s efforts to detect smuggling operations, like low-profile canoes and other vessels that may be trafficking guns and drugs through the region.
Louise Fox, policy advisor to the governor, said, “Due to the sensitive nature of the equipment and its use, no further information can be shared. However, we will advise when the system becomes fully operational.”
In April last year, Cayman Compass reported the UK government had pledged $1 million for radar surveillance around the Cayman Islands as part of a package of measures to disrupt drug and gun trafficking.
Governor Jane Owen, who has ultimate responsibility for national security, said at the time, “Coastal radar, and other equipment that helps improve maritime domain awareness, is an important part of the battle to prevent the smuggling of illicit weapons and drugs.
“Alongside firearms trafficking, UK Government analysis has found that transnational narcotics trafficking is one of the most damaging forms of organised crime across the Caribbean region and is linked to corruption and high rates of serious violence and homicide.”
The planned radar improvements, now under way, come alongside efforts to bolster regional cooperation against crime networks.
In January this year, the Misuse of Drugs Act was amended to include references to the Treaty of San José – a regional accord that makes joint law enforcement operations easier. The broad aim of the treaty is to help different islands work together to investigate and pursue criminal organisations across multiple jurisdictions.
The amended legislation also designates officers of the Cayman Islands Coast Guard as enforcement officers under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
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