Excerpts From Official Descriptions of Aid to Bahamas

  • The U.S. Department of State 2008 2008 End-Use Monitoring Report contains this description of International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement aid to Bahamas:
    "NASSAU

    Background

    EUM Program Coordinator
    Judith Van Zalen, Tel. 242-322-1181 x4212, VanZalenJD@state.gov

    Inventory System
    Post uses a combination of WEBPASS, Excel inventory sheets, and COAST to record and track the distribution of resources and to maintain and retrieve End Use Monitoring information. WEBPASS Procurement records and tracks the life cycle of a procurement request from requestor to receiving clerk. Excel inventory sheets are used to record and track donated resources. COAST tracks the status of NAS funds and obligation and retrieves expenditures.

    For USG-training courses, the NAS has created a Windows Access data for tracking USG law enforcement training of local government officials. This ensures that the best candidates receive training and that those receiving training remain in jobs that can fully use the training.

    Staff Member Responsibilities
    Embassy Nassau uses a typical embassy ICASS set-up where GSO staff provides logistics and motor vehicle maintenance support and B&F staff examine vouchers and provide general financial support. The Narcotics Affairs Officer (NAO) and the the Narcotics Affairs Program Assistant oversee and coordinate EUM activities. The Narcotics Affairs Program Assistant manages post's EUM program on a day-to-day basis under the general supervision of the NAO.

    Other USG Agency Assistance
    Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) is an international cooperative counternarcotics initiative between the USG and the Government of the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos islands. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) work closely with the Royal Bahamian Police Force (RBPF), the Royal Bahamian Defense Force (RBDF), and Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force (RTCPF) in conducting OPBAT's mission to detect, monitor, intercept and/or disrupt drug trafficking throughout Bahamian waters to the United States.

    DEA and USCG, as part of their OPBAT duties, conduct regular reviews to account for and verify the condition and use of INL-provided resources.

    Counterpart Agencies
    The Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) The Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) The National Drug Council (NDC) Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force (RTCPF).

    Each agency has cooperated fully in the End Use Monitoring process.

    Receipt
    The NAS uses INCLE funds obligated through a letter of Agreement (LOA) with the Government of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas to purchase equipment and provide technical assistance, training and supplies for law enforcement and demand reduction activities in the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos islands. The NAS documents the handover of supplies and equipment with hand receipts.

    Monitoring Procedures

    On-site Inspections
    The NAS staff monitors the use of commodities assistance year-round, conducting periodic inspections of vehicles, computers, boats and other equipment in Nassau and Freeport. DEA and the US Army and Coast Guard personnel assigned to OPBAT provide on-going reports on the status of equipment and infrastructure on Andros, Exuma, Great Inagua Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands. NAS personnel visit these remote facilities periodically to assess the status of NAS-funded commodities and equipment.

    The percentage of donated items personally inspected by NAS, DEA, and USCG personnel in 2008 was about 90%.

    Secondary Methods of Monitoring Resource Status
    The NAS has compared its electronic inventory records with those of the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) to verify the status of all hardware and software donated to DEU.

    Status-Commodities

    Intelligence Gathering Equipment
    Electronic surveillance equipment and tools have been donated to the DEU. In 2008, NAS sent three DEU officers to the United States for training on the maintenance of DEU's technical surveillance equipment. The NAS enhanced DEU's technical capabilities with the acquisition of a transcript/translation support system (T2S2) from JSI telegram. The NAS also funded maintenance and support contracts through JSI Telecom from this technical surveillance equipment.

    All intelligence gathering commodities donated are located in Nassau and are kept in excellent condition with only regular were and tear.

    Computer Equipment
    The NAS donated an Office Network System to DEU in 2003 that has exceeded its useful life. As a result, in 2008, the NAS donated 12 replacement computers and 12 additional laptops to DEU in Nassau. These computers and laptops are used for technical surveillance and are in excellent condition.

    The NAS also donated two laptops to the National Drug Council (NDC) to facilitate the expansion of the Drug Free School Initiative from a pilot program to a national program.

    Vehicles
    The NAS purchased a SUV for the Turks and Caicos police in 2005.
    Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police
    SUV
    1

    Vessels
    The three NAS-donated fast interceptor boats (two high performance, triple engine diesel powered Nortecha and a 12-meter triple outboard powered Lavender) continue to be used effectively in drug interdiction missions. These boats provide vital endgame capabilities to OPBAT helicopter pursuits. In 2008, NAS-funded maintenance contracts provided a cost-effective means for keeping these boats operational.

    In 2008, the NAS purchased one new Avenger engine. In 2007, the NAS purchased three new Avenger engines to replace faulty engines. In 2006, the NAS purchased trailers to allow these vessels to be moved over land, giving greater flexibility to the police in deploying these assts, and saving engine time and maintenance costs. All are used for the proper purpose and show only wear and tear.

    Turks and Caicos Police
    Interceptor boats
    3

    OPBAT Site Facilities
    OBAT structures are jointly used by USG personnel, Bahamian and Turks and Caicos law enforcement offices. In 2008, the NAS funded some of the maintenance and repairs at the Oakes field and Great Inagua sites. Primarily, those items are used by host nation personnel or shared by all three nations, such as water supplies, sewage treatment, grounds maintenance, and pest control. The terms of the maintenance contracts are fulfilled as described in the contract.

    Uniforms and Field Gear
    In 2008, the NAS purchased ballistic vests, GPS systems, Night Vision Goggles, and safety equipment for the Royal Turks and Caicos Island Police Force assigned to the OPBAT bases.
    In addition, in 2008 the NAS funded the purchase of eight Foster Miller Boat Traps that are used as a non-lethal, net-based propeller entanglement system deployable from a helicopter when a fast moving boat poses a significant threat and is fleeing. The deployment of the boat traps is pending the completion of required training for OPBAT personnel. Training is underway way and the nets should be deployed in 2009.

    Status-Services

    Construction Projects
    The expansion of the DEU Technical Surveillance room was 100% completed.

    Demand Reduction Services
    The NAS funded the travel of staff members of the National Drug Council to a Demand Reduction Conference in Chile and to a NIH-sponsored Demand Reduction Orientation in Washington, D. C. These programs aid the staff in learning best practices from other nations and helped them in erecting a network of support.

    Program Impact

    Intelligence Gathering Equipment
    As drug traffickers seek the safest and most efficient way to move contraband, obtaining intelligence concerning their plans and methods is critical. These criminals constantly upgrade their communication equipment, taking advantage of the latest technological breakthroughs to avoid detection. The NAS, therefore, continues to support the maintenance and upgrading of intelligence gathering capabilities of the DEU. Information gathered through the DEU's technical collection capabilities has led to significant seizures and numerous arrests.

    Computer Equipment
    In addition to the impact of the intelligence gathering equipment, the office Network System donated to the DEU ensures that both DEU offices in Nassau and Freeport are integrated and able to communicate in real time.

    Vessels
    The vessels provide vital endgame capabilities to OPBAT aircraft pursuits.

    OPBAT Site Facilities
    OPBAT sites serve as way-stations and strategic bases in OPBAT's fight against drug trafficking and transnational crime. As such, these sites extend our third border and provide additional protection from criminal and transnational threats emanating from the Caribbean. The structures on these sites require continual maintenance and upkeep due to the corrosive salt air and tropical weather.

    Problems and Corrective Action Plans (CAP)

    Lack of Funding
    Lack of funding for law enforcement agencies has resulted in poorly equipped offices and hampered joint interdiction efforts. From 2005 through 2008, the NAS purchased a variety of safety and tactical gear, including tactical entry tools, land goggles, batons, and floatation and ballistic vests for DEU Strike Force Officers and Strike Force Officers from the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force.
    Lack of funding has also affected Bahamian authorities' ability to provide upgrades and maintenance of USG-donated equipment. As a result, the NAS continues to provide maintenance contracts and implement usage logs to ensure that high-price commodities, such as boats, receive adequate maintenance and are in working order. The NAS continues to provide technical assistance in the form of train-the-trainer sessions to ensure that host government personnel know how to properly use donated equipment. Post continues to encourage the GCOB to invest assets seized in interdiction efforts back into law enforcement agencies."
  • The Department of Defense 2009 FY2009 Section 1022(a) Report reports that Section 1004 Counter-Drug Assistance aid to Bahamas will do the following:
    "NATION: Bahamas PROJECT/BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: BOS/Infrastructure for OPBAT base PROJECT CODE: 2307 FUNDING ($K) $6,883K DESCRIPTION: Funds sustain the operating base at Georgetown, Greater Exuma Island. At this site, U.S. Government helicopter operations are conducted in support of Bahamas, Turk, and Caicos Operations. Funding also supported new hangar construction. PROJECT TASKS:
    • Contract Services ($6,OOOK)
    • Travel/Transportation ($8SK)
    • Facility Maintenance/supplies ($53K)
    • Base construction funding ($745K) - for construction of 160' x 40' aviation hangar including office spaces and an option to demolish existing 40' x SO' aviation maintenance building at the OPBAT Exuma Island Site (Bahamas)
    "
  • The Department of State 2009 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report contains this description of International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement aid to Bahamas:
    "U.S. Policy Initiatives and Programs Policy Initiatives. The goals of USG assistance to The Bahamas are to: stem the flow of illegal drugs through The Bahamas and into the United States; dismantle drug trafficking organizations; and strengthen Bahamian law enforcement and judicial institutions to make them more effective and self-sufficient in combating drug trafficking and money laundering. Bilateral Cooperation. During 2009, INL funded training, equipment, travel and technical assistance for GCOB law enforcement and drug demand reduction officials, procured computer and other equipment to improve Bahamian law enforcement capacity to target trafficking organizations through better intelligence collection and more efficient interdiction operations, repaired and upgraded RBPF interdiction boats based at Grand Bahama, and supported the GCOB?s ?Drug Free Schools? initiative with funding for teacher training, transportation, and course materials. The USCG moved forward with plans to rebuild the OPBAT hangar on Great Inagua. Pending the successful conclusion of lease negotiations with the GCOB, construction will begin in 2010 with completion planned for 2012. The new hangar will allow USCG to base helicopters flying in support of OPBAT on Great Inagua. USCG?s helicopters have been operating from Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands since hurricane Ike destroyed the original Great Inagua hangar in 2008. The USCG provided resident, mobile and on-the-job training in maritime law enforcement, engineering and maintenance, professional development for the officer and enlisted corps, and medical practices to the RBDF. Before the end of 2009, the Department of Defense will deliver two additional 43-foot interceptor boats and communications equipment to the RBDF under the U.S. Southern Command?s Enduring Friendship program."
  • The U.S. Department of State 2010 Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Program and Budget Guide, Fiscal Year 2010 reports that International Narcotics Control Economic Aid aid to Bahamas will do the following:
    "Program Objectives and Performance Indicators USG assistance will support modernization of Bahamian judicial institutions to enable successful and expeditious prosecution of drug traffickers and money launderers and the seizure and forfeiture of their assets.
    • The value of assets seized and forfeited will increase significantly and the government will respond expeditiously to U.S. extradition requests.
    FY 2010 Program Demand Reduction>/b> Funds will provide training and equipment to support Bahamian efforts to eliminate the demand for illegal narcotics, treat the addicted, and eliminate trafficking through The Bahamas."
  • The U.S. Department of State 2010 Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Program and Budget Guide, Fiscal Year 2010 says this about International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement aid to Bahamas:
    "Program Objectives and Performance Indicators Operation Bahamas and Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) will support efforts to significantly disrupt the movement of illicit drugs through Bahamian territory to the U.S.
    • The number and amount of seizures of cocaine and marijuana will increase, along with the number of arrests of narcotics traffickers.
    USG assistance will assist Bahamian law enforcement to conduct sophisticated criminal and financial investigations and effective maritime interdiction operations in order to reduce narcotics trafficking activity.
    • Cooperation and coordination with U.S. law enforcement will increase and several major Bahamian drug trafficking organizations will be dismantled.
    • The number of narcotics trafficking and money laundering cases successfully prosecuted will increase.
    ... Program Justification Cocaine from South America arrives in The Bahamas, which is a major drug transit country, via go-fast boats, small commercial freighters, or small aircraft from Jamaica, Hispaniola and Venezuela. During the 1980s, it was estimated that 70 percent of the drug flow from South America transited the islands, whereas in recent years, the estimated flow has declined to less than 10 percent. OPBAT is the largest, most effective, and longest-existing interdiction effort in the Caribbean. One of the dividends of this long history of cooperation is that the Bahamian police are among the best in the Caribbean. Because The Bahamas is a small country with limited assets, it depends upon U.S.-funded equipment and training to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated drug trafficking organizations. U.S. funds provide 245 Western Hemisphere maintenance and communications for Bahamian fast-boats that provide OPBAT with its end- game capabilities. Program Accomplishments In 2008, the Royal Bahamas Police Force?s Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) cooperated closely with U.S. and foreign law enforcement agencies on drug investigations. Including OPBAT seizures, Bahamian authorities seized 1,878 kilograms (kg) of cocaine and approximately 12 metric tons (MT) of marijuana. The DEU arrested 1,030 persons on drug- related offenses and seized $3.9 million in cash. FY 2010 Program Narcotics Law Enforcement Law Enforcement: FY 2010 funds will continue interdiction training and equipment to enhance the intelligence-gathering capabilities of Bahamian police/DEU investigators. To stem the resurging flow of trafficking through The Bahamas in particular, funds will enable the expansion of DEU?s wire intercept capabilities, establishment of a polygraph unit, and narcotics and technology training. Training will expand the police force?s knowledge of current trafficking methods, capabilities, techniques, and technology to make them more effective and reliable partners for U.S. law enforcement. Funds will also support maritime security initiatives especially in Freeport where additional boats are needed to assist in port protection and monitoring. OPBAT: FY 2010 funds will provide maintenance support for three OPBAT helicopter bases and three fast-response boats. To maintain and expand upon end-game capabilities, funds will also support replacement of these boats which are near the end of their useful lives and expand night operations."
  • The U.S. Department of State 2010 FY 2010 Congressional Budget Justification for Foreign Operations contains this description of aid to Bahamas:
    "U.S. foreign assistance to the Bahamas focuses on Peace and Security and supports the following key goals: bolstering counter-narcotics law enforcement, combating financial crime, and strengthening interdiction capacity, which will help protect U.S. borders from illicit drugs, illegal migrants, and other transnational threats. U.S. assistance will build upon excellent cooperation with the Bahamas on security matters, law enforcement and preserving stability, thereby promoting democracy, free trade, and economic prosperity.

    Peace and Security: The Bahamas’ location between South America, Haiti, Cuba, and the United States places it squarely in the transit zone for illegal drugs and migrants seeking to enter the United States. Strengthening Bahamian interdiction and intelligence gathering capabilities is vital to U.S. interests. Post will 569 continue to support and improve maritime and border security capabilities through military and maritime training for the Royal Bahamas Defense Force. Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (OPBAT), a multinational and interagency (State, DEA, U.S. Coast Guard) interdiction effort, remains critical for protecting the southeast border of the United States from international drug trafficking and illegal migration into and through the Bahamas. Assistance will expand Bahamian and OPBAT capabilities on the island of Great Inagua, located 60 miles from the coast of Haiti along traditional smuggling routes, giving the United States in depth protection from criminal and transnational threats emanating from the Caribbean. Programs will provide technical support and training for the Bahamian and Turks and Caicos police to enhance investigative capabilities and strengthen prosecution. Assistance also will help develop local anti-terror capacity through training and the provision of equipment. The Freeport Container Port, one of the largest container ports in the world, participates in both the U.S. Department of Energy's Megaports Program and the Department of Homeland Security's Container Security Initiative. Continued U.S. funding of these initiatives will protect U.S. borders and the four million Americans who travel to The Bahamas every year.

    The requested increase in funding for counternarcotics assistance will support the Royal Bahamian Police Force's (RBPF) participation in the long-running and successful trilateral counter-narcotics program Operation Bahamas, Turks & Caicos (OPBAT). Our Bahamian partners need U.S. assistance to prepare for the anticipated increase in Caribbean narcotics trafficking expected as counter-narcotics efforts in Mexico and Central America succeed. FY 2010 funds will allow the U.S. to address several long-standing requirements. U.S.-funded NORTEC "go-fast" boats are nearing the end of their useful life. Five Boston Whalers will be procured and stationed in Freeport, Andros, Nassau, Georgetown and Great Inagua to expand the RBPF’s interdiction capabilities. Funds will support maintenance training for boat mechanics and night vision equipment to improve night operations. Funds will also expand the RBPF's wire intercept capabilities. The expansion of this key investigative tool is critical to fully utilizing the significant U.S. investment in OPBAT. DEA and OPBAT counter-narcotics activities are intelligence driven. The quality of the intelligence depends on the effectiveness and adaptiveness of our technology. This expansion will allow the RBPF to adapt to GSM technologies and the ever changing tactics and capabilities of narcotics traffickers. The proposed level of funding in FY 2010 will allow reporting on this indicator to begin in FY 2011."
  • The U.S. Southern Command 2009 Marines Teach HAZMAT Response to Bahamian Forces During Tradewinds says this about Exercises aid to Bahamas:
    "U.S. Marines from Environmental Services Division Detachment Delta, from Red Bank, N.J., provided hazardous material response training to Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Bahamas Department of Environmental Health and the Royal Bahamas Police Force Fire Department at the fire academy here, March 8 – 9, during Exercise Tradewinds 2009.

    The day’s training at the academy concentrated on radiological awareness lectures coupled with radiological response procedures where students experienced “first hand use with radiation survey equipment,” said Master Sgt. Thomas Auletta, a hazardous material training instructor, stationed in Red Bank, New Jersey.

    Prior to the practical application exercise, the Marines trained the Bahamians how to “dress out” for response and don proper protective equipment when responding to a radiological incident. The training continued with a hands-on surveying of a simulated hazardous area

    Simulating a radiation response scenario, the Bahamian students searched for a radio-active source in a building."
  • The U.S. Southern Command 2009 Marines Teach HAZMAT Response to Bahamian Forces During Tradewinds contains this description of Exercises aid to Bahamas:
    "U.S. Marines from Environmental Services Division Detachment Delta, from Red Bank, N.J., provided hazardous material response training to Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Bahamas Department of Environmental Health and the Royal Bahamas Police Force Fire Department at the fire academy here, March 8 – 9, during Exercise Tradewinds 2009.

    The day’s training at the academy concentrated on radiological awareness lectures coupled with radiological response procedures where students experienced “first hand use with radiation survey equipment,” said Master Sgt. Thomas Auletta, a hazardous material training instructor, stationed in Red Bank, New Jersey.

    Prior to the practical application exercise, the Marines trained the Bahamians how to “dress out” for response and don proper protective equipment when responding to a radiological incident. The training continued with a hands-on surveying of a simulated hazardous area

    Simulating a radiation response scenario, the Bahamian students searched for a radio-active source in a building.

    Auletta said the overall purpose of the training was to teach the students an appropriate response in maritime interdiction of illicit movements of drugs or even any type of chemicals that could be used by terrorists."
  • The U.S. Southern Command 2009 Coast Guard Humanitarian Assistance Project Keeps Rehab Center Open in Bahamas says this about Exercises aid to Bahamas:
    "The Coast Guard Cutter Confidence, a 210-foot cutter homeported in Port Canaveral, Fla., is currently docked at the port in Nassau, Bahamas as part of the Exercise Tradewinds 2009.

    The Confidence and its crew is providing training for 15 Caribbean nations in support of maritime security in the Caribbean Basin."
  • The U.S. Southern Command 2009 U.S. Coast Guard Provides Training for Caribbean Security Partners contains this description of Exercises aid to Bahamas:
    "U.S. Coast Guardsmen from District 7, Tactical Law Enforcement Detachment, provided instruction in compliant and non-compliant boarding to service members from the Royal Bahamas, St. Vincent and Grenadines, St. Kitts-Nevis, Haiti, Trinidad-Tobago, Belize, Barbados and the Dominican Republic Defence Forces at Royal Bahamas Defence Force Base in Coral Harbour, March 6 - 8, during Exercise Tradewinds 2009.

    As part of Tradewinds’ goal to increase maritime security, the compliant and non-compliant boarding training will help to ensure partner nations are able to execute the necessary measures when called upon to board a vessel, with the appropriate use of force, to prevent illegal trafficking.

    "The focus of this year´s activities on maritime interdiction is critical and timely, and is in line with our determination that every effort should be made to prevent a significant upsurge in drug trafficking in the Caribbean region," said Bahamas National Security Minister O. A. "Tommy" Turnquest, in the opening ceremonies of the event March 4.
    ...
    If the suspect vessel’s occupants become aggressive and show resistance to the service members, but were still not attacking them, the students were shown techniques such as pressure points and handcuffing procedures to detain the suspect.
    ...
    If the situation escalates and the occupants become violent or aggressive toward the service member attempting to detain them, the aggressor would at that point be classified as non-compliant.
    ...
    Partner nation service members were instructed in escalation of force and how to properly evaluate when an occupant is non-compliant and keep control of the situation, with the correct course of action."
  • According to the U.S Department of State 2008 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement will fund the following activities in Bahamas:
    "Policy Initiatives. The goals of USG assistance to The Bahamas are to stem the flow of illegal drugs through The Bahamas and into the United States, to dismantle drug trafficking organizations, and to strengthen Bahamian law enforcement and judicial institutions to make them more effective and self-sufficient in combating drug trafficking and money laundering.

    Bilateral Cooperation. During 2008, INL funded training, equipment, travel and technical assistance for GCOB law enforcement and drug demand reduction officials; procured computer and other equipment to improve Bahamian law enforcement capacity to target trafficking organizations through better intelligence collection and more efficient interdiction operations; provided computer equipment to the National Drug Council; supported the expansion of treatment facilities at the Bahamas Association for Social Health; and funded a survey of drug use among individuals admitted into hospital emergency rooms. The Department of Defense provided four 43-foot interceptor boats, communications equipment, and training to the RBDF under Southern Command’s Enduring Friendship program. The USCG provided resident, mobile and on-the-job training in maritime law enforcement, engineering and maintenance, professional development for the officer and enlisted corps, and medical practices to the RBDF."
  • The U.S. Department of Defense 2007 Section 1209 Report to Congress on Foreign-Assitance Related Programs Carried out by the Department of Defense contains this description of Humanitarian and Civic Assistance aid to Bahamas:
    "Projects support USSOUTHCOM TSC goal to shape the environment by promoting democracy, regional prosperity, and stability."
  • According to the U.S. Department of Defense 2007 Fiscal Year 2007 DoD Foreign Counterdrug Activity Report, Section 1004 Counter-Drug Assistance will fund the following activities in Bahamas:
    "NATION: Bahamas

    PROJECT/BASE SUPPORT EFFORT: BOS/Infrastructure for Operations Bahamas, Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) operating base

    PROJECT CODE: 2307

    FUNDING ($K): $3,429K

    DESCRIPTION: Funds sustain the operating base at Georgetown, Greater Exuma Island. At this site, U.S. government helicopter operations are conducted in support of Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos Counter-drug operations.

    PROJECT TASKS:
    • Contract Services
    • Travel/Transportation
    • Facility maintenance/supplies
    • Base Construction funding"
  • The U.S. Southern Command 2008 Joint Task Force-Bravo deploys in support of regional disaster relief exercise contains this description of Exercises aid to Bahamas:
    "A forward deployed team of more than 20 Joint Task Force-Bravo Soldiers and Airmen set up shop here May 4 to support a regional disaster relief exercise involving military and civilian agencies from throughout the Western Hemisphere.

    Designated Fuerzas Aliadas Humanitarias 2008, the U.S. Southern Command and Salvadoran Ministry of Defense-sponsored exercise runs May 5-15 and brings together experts in all aspects of disaster planning and operations.

    The annual exercise’s planners seek regional cooperation in disaster planning and response by allowing participants to test their abilities to render mutual aid between countries, just as they may be called to do in a disaster situation under mutual assistance agreements.

    The disaster relief portion of the exercise involves various military and civilian management agencies from Central America and the Caribbean Basin.

    “Disaster relief is what we’re normally expected to do in Central America—it’s our bread and butter—and we’re here to help provide assessment to U.S. Southern Command and other assessment teams,” said Army Col. Marcus DeOliveira, JTF-Bravo commander.

    Although the exercise scenario is built around a devastating earthquake, Colonel DeOliveira said the exercise is a primer for the upcoming hurricane season.

    “When disaster strikes, we’re in coordination with country teams and governments as they begin coordinating and providing assistance,” he said, “this exercise is a great opportunity for JTF-Bravo to partner with U.S. Army South and other participating nations to work through our processes.”

    Countries participating in this year’s exercise include: Antigua/Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Panama, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.

    Upon setting up operations at a Salvadoran Air Force facility, the JTF-Bravo team initialized communications with exercise officials and began preparing for the three-day-long disaster scenario. Upon notification, the team will begin accepting follow-on forces called upon to assist with disaster relief operations.

    JTF-Bravo’s participation in the disaster relief portion of the exercise revolves around casualty evacuation and medical care, and more JTF-Bravo personnel are due to arrive to support operations as needed.

    “We have 19 JTF-Bravo medical element personnel arriving this week to conduct a general medical readiness exercise at a remote village near Comas Aguas, El Salvador,” said Air Force Capt. Jennifer Martinez, MEDEL operations officer.

    “Participating in this exercise allows our medical personnel to refine our disaster response communications and coordination process with our host nation partners which is vital to joint medical response during natural disasters.”

    The casualty evacuation operations involving JTF-Bravo’s UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters will occur as requests come from the exercise officials.

    Following the disaster exercise, participating countries representatives will convene in San Salvador May 11-15 for an after-action review followed by subject matter expert presentations and a trade exposition."
  • According to the Department of State 2008 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, the U.S. government will fund the following activities in Bahamas:
    "Policy Initiatives. The goals of USG assistance to The Bahamas are to dismantle drug trafficking organizations, stem the flow of illegal drugs through The Bahamas to the United States, and strengthen Bahamian law enforcement and judicial institutions to make them more effective and self-sufficient in combating drug trafficking and money laundering.

    Bilateral Cooperation. During 2007, INL funded training, equipment, travel and technical assistance for GCOB law enforcement and drug demand reduction officials; procured computer and other equipment to improve Bahamian law enforcement capacity to target trafficking organizations through better intelligence collection and more efficient interdiction operations; provided funding to the National Drug Council (NDC) so its staff could participate in a University of the West Indies on-line course in prevention and treatment of drug addiction; and funded a survey of drug use among individuals admitted into hospital emergency rooms. In FY 2007, the USCG provided resident, mobile and on the job training in maritime law enforcement, engineering and logistics, professional development, medical and seamanship to the RBDF.

    Road Ahead. We encourage the Bahamian Government to continue its strong commitment to joint counternarcotics efforts and its cooperative efforts to extradite drug traffickers to the U.S. Standing up, staffing and funding its National Drug Secretariat will greatly assist GCOB efforts to implement its 2004 National Anti-Drug Plan. The Embassy is working with the GCOB to implement regulations banning wooden-hulled sailing freighters from Bahamian waters, most of which originate from ports in Haiti. These freighters are believed to play a key role in drug and migrant smuggling through The Bahamas. The GCOB can further enhance its drug control efforts by integrating Creole speakers into the DEU and by working with HNP officers to be stationed in Great Inagua to develop information on Haitian drug traffickers transiting the Bahamas. The USG will urge the GCOB to further integrate the RBDF into OPBAT by placing some of its marine assets acquired under the United States Southern Command’s Enduring Friendship program in Freeport and Great Inagua to provide OPBAT end-game capabilities in these areas."
  • The Department of State 2009 Congressional Budget Justification for Foreign Operations contains this description of aid to Bahamas:
    "U.S. foreign assistance to The Bahamas focuses on Peace and Security and supports the following key goals: bolster counter-narcotics law enforcement, combat financial crime, strengthen the capacity to interdict illicit drugs and illegal migrants in Bahamian waters, and protect U.S. borders from terrorism.

    U.S. assistance, through the Department of State, will continue to support and improve maritime and border security capabilities through military and maritime training for the Royal Bahamas Defense Force. ?Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos?, a multi-national and inter- agency interdiction effort, remains critical for protecting the southeast border of the United States from international drug trafficking and illegal migration into and through The Bahamas. Programs will provide technical support and training for the Bahamian and Turks and Caicos police to enhance investigative capabilities and strengthen prosecution. Assistance also will help develop local anti- terror capacity through training and the provision of equipment. The Freeport Container Port, the largest in The Bahamas, participates in both the U.S. Department of Energy's Megaports Program and the Department of Homeland Security's Container Security Initiative. Continued U.S. funding of these initiatives will protect U.S. borders and the four million Americans who travel to The Bahamas every year. "