All amounts in U.S. dollars. Numbers in italics are estimates, usually based on the closest year for which data are available.

All amounts in U.S. dollars. Numbers in italics are estimates, usually based on the closest year for which data are available.

All amounts in U.S. dollars.

All amounts in U.S. dollars.

Document: 2008 End-Use Monitoring Report

Program: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement

PORT OF SPAIN
Background

EUM Program Coordinator
Sandra De Leon, Tel. 868-822-5921; deleons@state.gov

Inventory System
Post uses an Excel database to record and track the distribution of all resources. There are no other staff members with EUM responsibilities.

Counterpart Agencies
Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG)
Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard (TTAG)
Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (TTDF)
National Inter-Agency Command Center (NICC)
Organized Crime Narcotics and Firearms Bureau (OCNFB)
Trinidad and Tobago Customs and Excise Division (TTCED)
Trinidad and Tobago Police Station (TTPS)
Counter-Drug and Crime Force (CDCTF)
St. James/Carenage Police Youth Club (PYC)
Airport Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (AATT)
Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Health Board of Inland Revenue (BIR)
Piparo Empowerment Center Ministry of Legal Affairs-Intellectual Property Rights Office (IPO)
Judiciary of Trinidad & Tobago

Monitoring Procedures

On-site Inspections
There were six (6) unscheduled and twenty (20) scheduled on-site inspections at ten (10) counterpart sites.

About 250 items were subject to inspection. Seventy (70) percent were physically inspected.

Secondary Methods of Monitoring Resource /status

Post used reports from various agencies and telephone calls as the secondary method to monitor resources. The percentage of donated items monitored using secondary methods was 30%.

Status-Commodities

Aircraft
Due to severe mechanical problems and lack of funding for replacement parts, the Cessna 172 aircraft has been out-of service since 1994. It is presently in storage.

Even though the long-term plan is to return it to service for use in training, the TTCG did not complete any task this year to achieve that goal. The Cessna 310 underwent engine repairs and was operational in 2008.

Both Piper Navajo aircraft have been deemed unserviceable. Post requested that both aircraft be removed from local control and accordingly, the General Services Agency placed an aircraft on their excess property on-line auction. No further determination has been made at year's end.

One of the two C-26 aircraft remained in serviceable condition throughout 2008 and completed exercises. Currently, located in Canada, the other aircraft is undergoing upgrades to the maritime radar, avionics and air conditioning, as part of an enhancement contract funded by the GOTT. It is expected to be returned to TT in the first quarter of 2009.

Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard
Cessna
2
Piper
2
C-26
2

Vessels
One of the Bowen "go-fast" boats incurred damage to its hull and has been out of service since 2002. This vessel does not appear salvageable and will be disposed of. The second vessel was operational during 2008.

The four 82-ft Class Patrol Craft were inspected in 2007 and parts were replaced as needed. In 2008, all of the vessels were operational and frequently conducted patrols off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago. Three vessels are headquartered in Trinidad; the fourth vessel is headquartered in Tobago. One of the vessels is outfitted with complete radar, an electronic package, reducers and converters.

The 30-foot U.S. Customs vessel and two 29-foot Phantom interceptors are currently operational. The TT Customs and Excise Division and other agencies are using the vessels for counternarcotics and law enforcement interdiction operations.

Three of the four Combat Rigid Raiding Craft (CRRC) were fully operational during 2008. The engines on these craft have been overhauled. These craft were used extensively in maritime interdiction operational around Trinidad.

Both of the 40 ft interceptors were fully functional during 2008.

All three Zodiac Hurricanes are unserviceable. One does not have an engine. The second Hurricane was unserviceable due to impeller and wiring defects. The third Hurricane has damaged pontoons. The vessels do not appear to be salvageable. The Board of Survey to will determine disposal.

Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard
82-foot Class Patrol craft
4
Combat Raiding Craft
4
Bowen go-fast boats
2
Zodiac (RHIBS)
3
40-foot Midnight Express
2

Trinidad and Tobago Customs and Excise
29-foot Phantom interceptors
2
30-foot Boston Whaler
2

Vehicles
The four right-hand drive vehicles that were donated to the Organized Crime and Narcotics Unit in 2004 were fully functional during the year. The vehicles allow the task force to conduct surveillance and interdict narcotics trafficking throughout the country. They are being maintained and are located on both islands of Trinidad and Tobago.

Computer Equipment
The computer equipment provided to the Counter Narcotics and Crime Task Force (CNCTF) allows information and intelligence to be analyzed in a more comprehensive and timely manner than would otherwise be possible. The computers, electronic equipment, and safe were in use throughout the year with the exception of ten monitors, one printer, and a micro recorder. These items are not operational and need to be replaced.

Organized Crime Narcotics and Firearms Bureau
Toyota Corolla
2
Nissan Almera
2

Computers are installed at the Customs and Excise Prevention Branch and at key stations of the Customs and Excise Division. They give the branch an automated database system, providing continuous connectivity of the branch as well as key stations of the Customs and Excise Division in Trinidad and Tobago, and other related law enforcement agencies.

The 25 laptop computers and three desktop computers donated to the Board of Inland Review are fully functional. The attorneys and new criminal tax investigators use the equipment daily.

The two Compaq computers, printers, and monitors are fully operational at the Ministry of Health.

Computers and associated peripherals were installed at the Board of Inland Revenue. Criminal Investigation Unit members were trained on the equipment and in investigative techniques in early 2003. Legal and Enforcement training started in January 2004. This equipment continues to be operational.

One of the two computer workstations, donated to the Joint Operations Command Center (JOCC) is used to transmit information to and from the EPIC, while the other serves as a backup.

The computer and copier provided to the OCNFB are housed at the Piarco Airport. They have limited functionality and are in need of repairs and/or replacement.

The computers donated to the Counter-Drug and Crime Task Force (CDCTF) operations and administrative center were used throughout the year, but need to be replaced.

The Trinidad and Tobago Judiciary received computers in 2004-2005 for the Audio Digital Court Recording Systems. The equipment is used to improve the existing method of taking Notes of Evidence on hand. All of the computers and other equipment are fully functional and are deployed at the St. George West Magistrates Court and the Supreme Court.

Communications Equipment
The Organized Crime and Narcotics Unit's (OCNU's) thirty (30) hand-held radios are out in the field, at Piarco Airport and at OCNU's headquarters.

The ten radios provided to the Interpol Liaison Office were in use throughout the year. They were used to conduct communications between Interpol, other TTPS units and the TT Customs and Excise Division. All are in good condition. However, all will need an upgrade soon to meet current technological equipment.

Miscellaneous
The kool kube, battering ram, handcuffs, tape recorders, binoculars, bullet proof vests (35), camera kit, chainsaws, electronic surveillance equipment, Night Vision Goggles and brush cutters are all operational and in use by the OCNU. None of the equipment is checked out to individual officers. All are kept at headquarters and checked out for specific missions. The boots, bulletproof vests, chainsaws, and brush cutters, were particularly valuable as defenses against booby traps planted by marijuana growers. The brush cutters have been serviced and are operating at an acceptable level.

The two TT Defense Force (TTDF) hand-held Global Positioning System receivers were fully functional and in use throughout the year. The unit is regularly used during marijuana eradication operations to help locate marijuana fields and to position troops. The night scopes and other electronic surveillance units assisted in locating go-fast contacts that would have normally been missed during nocturnal operations.

The Redman gear and gym mats have greatly enhanced the ability of TT Customs and Excise to train its officers in both hand-to-hand combat and personal defense.

The handcuffs provided to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) are used to transport prisoners to and from court as well as in general police work. The digital camera and micro-cassette recorders were in use throughout the year to record interviews/interrogations of suspects. They have a direct correlation to a higher success rate with regard to prosecutors based on such interviews.

The three digital cameras are functioning well; the fourth has been discarded for not powering up. These cameras are used at crime scenes to document evidence and for mug shots. While these photos have not been used in court as evidence, investigators have used the photographs to identify crime scene areas that needed further exploration.

TTPS' editing VCR was fully functional and in use throughout the year. It has greatly improved the audiovisual section's ability to produce high quality drug education and public service videos.
The TTPS bulletproof vests protect the officers during law enforcement operations.

Thirty (30) iron beds and the woodworking equipment are at the Piparo empowerment center. All items are in good condition and in use by the Piparo residents.

The TV and the VCR have significantly increased the number of children exposed to the counterdrug videos of the Police Youth club. Having the equipment on-site has allowed greater flexibility in terms of when all of the items are in good condition and were in use throughout the year.

The Ion scanner provided to the Trinidad and Tobago Airports Authority (T&TEC) remains minimally operational. T&TEC rewired the terminal in 2001, but continual power surges have damaged the sensitive equipment, limiting its effectiveness.

The six night-scopes were in use and fully operational in 2008. The TTCG and its Special Naval Unit share the night scopes. The hand-held Global Positioning System receiver was fully functional and in use throughout the year. The data scopes, infrared cameras, and three handheld Global Positioning System receivers were fully functional and in use throughout 2008.

Canines
Four explosive detection canines arrived in country in June 2005 along with two which were donated to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) and two to the Customs and Excise Division. In 2006, four additional canines were acquired: one cadaver-locating dog, two narcotics dogs and one tactical/narcotics dog for total of six dogs. They continue to be used extensively at the airports and other points of entry, in addition to being used in the explosive detection unit. They have conducted over 200 operations including search of outgoing and incoming passenger's baggage, import and export cargo, courier packages, major high profile events and during several bomb threats. When seen carrying out their duties, these canines convey a sense of security to the public. However, these dogs have been over-worked and may need to be replaced soon.

Program Impact
The GOTT conducted numerous marijuana eradication operations, and improved training and general maintenance of aircraft over the year. As in previous years, the GOTT funded repairs of its vehicles and vessels, and will likely continue this trend in the coming year. Benefiting from INL-funded equipment and training, GOTT law enforcement agencies apprehended couriers at airports attempting to smuggle narcotics into the United States. According to GOTT law enforcement personnel, marijuana eradication operations occurred almost daily. In addition, the GOTT took steps to strengthen its counterdrug air and maritime surveillance interdiction capability. The GOTT upgraded its two C-26 aircraft with maritime sensor packages. Post noted that GOTT law enforcement entities participated in several GOTT-orchestrated counternarcotics law enforcement operations in 2008. The success of these DEA orchestrated counternarcotics law enforcement operations require the GOTT's support and participation.

Aircraft
The Cessna and C-26 aircraft flew 121 missions logging over 250 flying hours, which included patrol, support, training and counternarcotics missions. However a continued lack of reporting by the TTCG and TTAG made it difficult to determine if the intelligence gathered by the C-26 had been used. The sensor/maintenance has greatly enhanced the Air Wing's ability to patrol the area surrounding Trinidad and Tobago.

Vessels
The Combat Rigid Raiding Craft (CCRC), the one operational Bowen Go-fast boat, the four 82-foot patrol boats and the two 40-foot interceptors conducted over 100 patrols and intercepted an undisclosed amount of marijuana and cocaine as well as small arms, ammunition and other contraband.

The two 29-foot Phantoms and the other Customs vessels have played a key role in monitoring the nation's coast and surrounding waters. During 2008, Customs officials conducted more than 150 counter-drug law enforcement patrols and frequently operated in conjunction with TTCG and other GOTT law enforcement agencies when performing those operations. However, the operations of the Customs Marine Interdiction Unit (MIU) continued to suffer some restrictions due to staff shortages.

Computer Equipment
The implementation of the audio Digital Recording systems has decreased trial time by about 50% and production of Notes of Evidence for judgment and appeals by the same percentage. The increased pace allows the litigation of more cases to be disposed of during this period than were filled. Reducing any backlog shortens the appeal process and provides the accused with faster and more efficient access to justice. Even though more cases are being heard, the total number of cases has significantly increased causing a continued backlog in the judicial system.

The Counterdrug and Crime Task Force (CDCTF) computer equipment facilitates timely analysis of information and intelligence. However, due to the age of the computers, there is a need for a unit with current technology.

The computers located at the Ministry of Legal Affairs have assisted the IPO in becoming a fully automated entity by complementing and enhancing its technological capabilities. The computers increase the range of access to the patent information services and provide current transactions of all intellectual property applications. The Intellectual Property Office has successfully captured and validated all patent and trademark records and will expand the scope of the data captured to include classification of figurative elements and patent diagrams.

Vehicles
The vehicles allow the OCNFB to conduct surveillance and interdict narcotics trafficking throughout the islands of Trinidad and Tobago.

Canines
The Canine Academy continues to be one of post's most successful programs to date. The dogs have performed 542 exercises resulting in the seizure of 308 kg marijuana, 41 kg cocaine, and 2,243 various types of ammunition, as well as resulting in 478 persons being arrested for various offenses.

Miscellaneous Equipment
Suspended school students spend their day at the Police Youth Club where they receive assistance with their studies rather than remaining at home or on the street. The television and VCR have significantly increased the number of children exposed to PYC's counterdrug videos. On-site equipment has allowed greater flexibility of when and how frequently club members are exposed to counterdrug videos. The ping pong table is an additional incentive to spend free time with the Youth Club.

Problems and Corrective Action Plan

Repair and Maintenance of Commodities
Even though the GOTT has been repairing and maintaining the majority of donated commodities, there are still a number of items inoperable because of a lack of parts and miscellaneous problems. LOA's are expected to include a requirement for service agreements to enable the GOTT to repair vehicles, vessels, equipment when needed to minimize downtime.

Lack of Use or Misuse
The Ion Scanner machine was donated to the Airport Authority; however, this unit is not in use. Consequently, no arrests can be attributed to this machine. Post will continue to have discussions to determine if the problem can be rectified.

Disposal of Commodities
Due to technological advancements, normal shelf life, and cost of maintenance, post has several items such as computers, communications equipment, servers that need disposing. Post has offered assistance to the GOTT on these matters.

Other Problems
The INL Program employs a full-time INL specialist to staff the office. Monitoring equipment use is one of the specialist's functions; however; because the specialist is responsible for all the other functions in the office, the specialist is not always able to conduct on-site visits as required and relies on other embassies to assist. Additionally, when reports are received from host government, they are not always accurate. This procedure causes severe delays.Post will consult with host government officials to improve the accuracy of its report. Post is otherwise unaware of any significant problems in the course of the year's equipment.

Document: International Narcotics Control Strategy Report

Program: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement

U.S. Policy Initiatives Policy Initiatives. U.S. efforts focus on reducing the flow of illegal drugs through Trinidad and Tobago to the United States by strengthening the GOTT?s ability to detect and interdict drug shipments, bring traffickers and other criminals to trial, address money laundering, and counternarcotics-related corruption. The U.S. also seeks to strengthen the GOTT?s administration of justice by providing training and technical assistance to help streamline Trinidad and Tobago?s judicial process, reduce court backlogs, and protect witnesses from intimidation and murder. Bilateral Cooperation. In 2009, the USG provided training to policy makers and tactical law enforcement officials on crime scene investigation, command and control, witness protection, damage control, and combating terrorism. In 2009 the DEA and its local counterparts successfully closed 121 investigations, a significant increase from 42 investigations in 2008. The USCG provided resident training in the areas of engineering and maintenance, and leadership and management to the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard. The GOTT-funded U.S. Customs Advisory Team continues to provide technical assistance to Customs and Excise in tracking and intercepting marine vessels, including cargo container ships. The State Department?s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and the DEA also provided equipment to assist GOTT law enforcement related to drug interdiction and seizure. In 2009, the maritime agreement was used to board and seize one Trinidad and Tobago flagged vessel transporting over 2,000 lbs of marijuana, which included the detention of four suspected smugglers.

Document: Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Program and Budget Guide, Fiscal Year 2010

Program: International Narcotics Control Economic Aid

FY 2010 Program Money Laundering The GOTT lacks the expertise to create and implement effective anti-money laundering policies. FY 2010 funds will support technical expertise and training provided by the CFATF to assist the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago. This will help the GOTT to fully implement all of the CFATF recommendations to combat terrorist financing as well as support the GOTT’s efforts to adopt and implement financing regulations preventing a rapidly growing economy from becoming a safe haven for money launderers. Demand Reduction This program will provide training to organizations that give youth alternatives to criminal activities and support for GOTT re-integration and rehabilitation efforts.

Document: Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Program and Budget Guide, Fiscal Year 2010

Program: International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement

Program Objectives and Performance Indicators

Improve mobility, communications and technical operations for Government of Trinidad and Tobago's (GOTT) law enforcement agencies.

• Increased drug seizures and number and the number of arrests of narcotics traffickers.

Document: FY 2010 Congressional Budget Justification for Foreign Operations

Trinidad and Tobago is a leader in the Caribbean. It is the Caribbean Community's (CARICOM) economic driving force and its security lead, and it is an important player in regional and U.S. energy security. As such, it is essential that Trinidad and Tobago be able to withstand the destabilizing forces of narcotics trafficking and illicit trade in weapons and other goods in order to continue moving the region towards greater prosperity and heightened security awareness. U.S. foreign assistance to the country, therefore, focuses on several key goals: monitoring and seeking inhibit transnational crime, preventing any nexus with radicals inside or outside its borders; transforming the security forces to counter more efficiently the growing national and transnational crime threat; leveraging aspirations for the Government of Trinidad and Tobago (GOTT) to play a larger role in regional drug interdiction and overall Caribbean security; and protecting the nation's energy and tourism infrastructure.

Peace and Security: The United States will focus on the development of an efficient, professional military and police forces dedicated to the rule of law, an increased level of accountability and inter-agency cooperation, and improved maritime safety and patrols. U.S. strategies will focus on strengthening the GOTT's ability to detect and interdict drug shipments, bring traffickers and other criminals to trial, attack money laundering, and combat drug-related corruption. Programs will provide Trinidadian law enforcement organizations with training, technical assistance, equipment and vehicles in support of their general counternarcotics and anti-terrorism efforts. Specific training and technical advice include witness protection, crime scene investigation, evidence handling, terrorism detection, and narcotics interdiction. U.S. programs also will improve education and employment possibilities for persons at risk for involvement in illegal drug use and criminal behavior by supporting job skill training, educational equipment and classes, and early development programs.

Security assistance will enhance Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force’s ability to secure its national territory, to develop its maritime interdiction capabilities, and increase its capacity to conduct counter-terrorism operations. Specific programs include training in counter-terrorism force protection, crisis command and improvised exploding device (IED) ordinance. Funds also would provide equipment needed to enhance border patrol and narcotic interdiction capabilities.

Document: International Narcotics Control Strategy Report

Policy Initiatives. To assist the GOTT to eliminate the flow of illegal drugs through Trinidad and Tobago to the United States, U.S. efforts focus on strengthening the GOTT's ability to detect and interdict drug shipments, bring traffickers and other criminals to trial, attack money laundering, and counter drug-related corruption. The U.S. also seeks to strengthen the GOTT's administration of justice by providing training and technical assistance to help streamline Trinidad and Tobago's judicial process, reduce court backlogs, and protect witnesses from intimidation and murder.

Bilateral Cooperation. In 2008, the USG continued to support Trinidad's recently established Drug Detection Canine Academy. In addition, the USG offered training classes to both policy makers and tactical law enforcement officials on financial crimes, crime scene investigation, command and control, pollution incident response, damage control, and combating terrorism. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Forensic Document Laboratory (FDL) in conjunction with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) conducted a Document Examination and Intelligent Profiling Course in Port of Spain. This training program enhanced police and border officials' effectiveness in identifying improperly documented passengers destined to the United States and established an ongoing information sharing opportunity with the Government of Trinidad & Tobago. Over the past year, the DEA and its local counterparts have been involved in investigations that led to a significant amount of seizures. However, reporting data is incomplete and the GOTT was not able to provide accurate figures. The GOTT-funded U.S. Customs Advisory Team provided technical assistance to Customs and Excise in tracking and intercepting marine vessels, including cargo container ships.

Document: Section 1209 Report to Congress on Foreign-Assitance Related Programs Carried out by the Department of Defense

Program: Humanitarian and Civic Assistance

Projects support USSOUTHCOM TSC goal to shape the environment by promoting democracy, regional prosperity, and stability.

Document: Continuing Promise Humanitarian Mission Complete, USS Kearsarge Returns Home

Program: Humanitarian and Civic Assistance

USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), along with various embarked units, departed Georgetown, Guyana Nov. 22 to begin transit back to its homeport in Norfolk, Va., concluding nearly four months at sea in support of the Caribbean phase of the humanitarian/civic assistance mission (HCA) Continuing Promise (CP) 2008.

During the deployment, Kearsarge completed missions in Nicaragua, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, providing humanitarian and civic assistance, as well as veterinary, medical, dental and civil engineering support. The ship also supported Haiti relief efforts in September after being diverted from the CP mission in Colombia (see more).

During the deployment, the CP 2008 medical contingent of more than 150 joint military and international military medical professionals and non-governmental organizations, worked along side host nation officials to treat more than 47,000 primary care patients, dispense more than 81,300 prescriptions, provide veterinary care to nearly 5,600 animals and conduct more than 198,600 medical, dental and optometric services.

In addition to the primary basic medical care provided by the CP 2008 team, 221 patients were flown to Kearsarge for shipboard surgeries, including hernia repair and eye surgery.

While in Guyana, the final stop in the CP 2008 mission, Kearsarge was also able to tackle unforeseen medical emergencies. Pilots from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron TWO EIGHT (HSC-28), Detachment 5, conducted an at-sea medical evacuation of a heart attack victim aboard a nearby vessel, while air crew members from Marine Heavy Helicopter (HMH) Squadron 464, rendered emergency transport assistance at Kumaka District Hospital in Santa Rosa to a young girl suffering from appendicitis.

In addition to the medical care provided by the CP team, Navy Seabees attached to Construction Battalion Mobile Unit (CBMU) 202, and civil engineers from the Air Force’s 5th Civil Engineer Squadron’s Prime Base Emergency Engineer Force completed various construction and renovation projects in each of the five countries visited during the mission.

In all, the joint-military engineering team built three schools, renovated 10 schools, clinics and hospitals, conducted 10 park/community center renovations, and performed five infrastructure related projects.

Document: Continuing Promise Mission Begins in Trinidad and Tobago

Program: Humanitarian and Civic Assistance

During the 14-day operation in Trinidad and Tobago, engineers assigned to Navy Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202 and Air Force Civil Engineering Squadron 5´s Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force work alongside engineers from the Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force to make repairs to the hostel’s roof, replace ceiling tiles, paint the interior, replace electrical wiring, and install new plumbing and new doors.

Since arriving Oct. 25, embarked military units and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) worked partnership with host-nation military and civilian professionals to provide medical, dental, optometry and veterinary care along with construction, renovation and small-scale civil engineering projects.

Medical specialists from Kearsarge, Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 4, the U.S. Public Health Service, Canada, and Project HOPE worked together with Trinidad medical professionals in the Couva and Arima regions to conduct nearly 735 dental exams and procedures, more than 1,592 optometry exams, 47 surgeries aboard Kearsarge, provide more than 6,233 patients primary medical care and filled more than 6,632 prescriptions.

In addition to treatment, teams also conducted subject matter expert exchange workshops, covering topics such as damage control, public relations and first aid.

Engineers also completed renovation and beautification projects at two additional sites, including a child development center and a nursery that cares for children infected with HIV.

Document: Continuing Promise Mission Begins in Trinidad and Tobago

Program: Humanitarian and Civic Assistance

USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), along with various embarked units, began humanitarian/civic assistance operations in Trinidad and Tobago Oct. 25, the ship’s fourth stop in the Caribbean Phase of Continuing Promise (CP) 2008.

For nearly two weeks, humanitarian teams from the ship will work with local officials to provide health care services and infrastructure improvements to communities in need.

CP’s medical contingent, with personnel from U.S Public Health Service, Canada, Brazil, the Netherlands and non-government organizations Project HOPE and International Aid, moved medical equipment and personnel ashore to begin a 13-day clinical operation, augmenting local medical providers at the Couva District Health Facility and the Arima District Health Facility. The contingent is led by Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 4.

Embarked engineers from the Air Force´s 5th Civil Engineer Squadron Prime Base Emergency Engineer Force and Seabees from Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU) 202 began moving equipment ashore to prepare for renovation work in the Port of Spain and Tunapuna regions at the All-in-One Child Development Center, the St. Jude’s School for Girls and Cyril Ross Nursery.

Kearsarge recently left the Dominican Republic where they were working with the nation on numerous medical, dental, veterinary and construction projects.

Medical specialists from Kearsarge worked together with Dominican medical professionals to conduct nearly 750 dental exams and procedures, more than 2,100 optometry exams, 35 surgeries aboard Kearsarge, provide more than 16,000 patients primary medical care and filled more than 31,600 prescriptions at several sites in the area.

The Air Force and Navy engineers completed projects at four sites. The work included the construction of a modified SEA hut to house four new classrooms, expanding a local elementary school in Sabana Grande and the rehab of a medical clinic in Bonao.

Kearsarge Sailors also participated at various volunteer community relations projects at the engineering sites, offering extra hands to help with landscaping, construction, painting and building playgrounds.