OPPOSITION MP Dr Roodal Moonilal has demanded an inventory of all vessels operated by the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard. This follows an announcement that the service’s two Austal Cape-class and six Damen Stan patrol vessels are currently non-operational.
The disclosure was made by Chief of Defence Staff Air Marshal Darryl Daniel at a Ministry of National Security press conference on Friday, where he explained that global logistics issues have delayed the importation of necessary parts for repairs.
Speaking at a UNC press conference in Chaguanas on Sunday, Dr Moonilal said the timing of the revelation, coinciding with Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley’s absence for a medical check-up.
Dr Moonilal recalled Rowley’s past assurances that the Austal vessels, costing US$38.6 million each, would bolster border security and have robust maintenance support.
“For the first time in T&T’s history, we have a Coast Guard without a single seaworthy vessel,” Moonilal said.
He criticised the PNM administration for allowing the vessels to fall into disrepair due to lapsed service agreements.
Dr Moonilal expressed concern over national security, suggesting that the announcement effectively signals to smugglers and illegal migrants that the borders are unguarded. He noted recent United Nations report indicated a decline in the seizure of cocaine, speculating that gun seizures might also decrease.
Questioning the interim measures being taken to monitor the borders, Dr Moonilal said that one vessel was sent to Suriname for repairs, but details remain unclear. He called for the Joint Select Committee on National Security to investigate and inventory all Coast Guard assets, emphasizing transparency and accountability.
Moonilal also criticised the government for neglecting the dry dock facility in Chaguaramas, which could have been used for repairs, exacerbating the current crisis.
