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Billions spent on Coast Guard vessels, borders exposed

The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) now has about four functional small boats, out of 14 vessels under its charge, to patrol the country’s coastal borders, which are 452 nautical miles of coastline. The water borders, which have long proved a largely unguardable gateway for the smuggling of guns, drugs, other illicit items, and even people, a large amount being from neighbouring Venezuela in recent years (16,523 illegal Venezuelan migrants took part in a registration exercise in 2019), are often described as porous.

The TTCG, according to the submission to the JSC dated October 28, 2022, only seized two weapons—one SIG Sauer pistol and one shotgun, 11 rounds of ammunition, and one magazine—between the period 2018 and 2022.The JSC report, quoting an SSA submission, also stated that while “high-powered weapons, revolvers, and pistols are coming through Venezuela via boats,” not one of those boats was intercepted by the TTCG between 2020 and 2022.Informed sources suggest that the Coast Guard’s roster should have about four to 18 small Coast Guard craft—which consist of four interceptors, six pirogues, and eight RHIBs—to patrol the waters daily.For his part, Hinds has since promised that the vessels will be back in operation within 14 months.

Guardian Media was told that only two RHIBs and two pirogues are functional as the Coast Guard’s interceptors are no longer fit for use given their age and usage over the years.
“The Coast Guard hasn’t had interceptors for over a year. The hulls of the interceptors have gone beyond their shelf life, so they put them out of service because to keep repairing them doesn’t make any sense. The last time we got interceptors was in 2012. They were rebuilt, which extended their functionality a bit, but the way they were used is beyond their service life,” a source explained.Between 2007 and 2023, the State has spent at least $3.7 billion on 32 vessels for the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, according to Recurrent Expenditure, Development Programme Expenditure, and Public Sector Investment Programme documents. At least another $81.1 million was spent on maintaining vessels, while $19.3 million was expended on ‘naval assets and logistical support for the acquisition of naval assets.’

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Between 2007 and 2023, the state has spent at least $3.7 billion on 32 vessels for the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard, according to Recurrent Expenditure, Development Programme Expenditure, and Public Sector Investment Programme documents.

At least another $81.1 million was spent on maintaining vessels, while $19.3 million was expended on ‘naval assets and logistical support for the acquisition of naval assets.’

Other TTCG Costs Between 2007 and 2023

* Salaries - $4 Billion

* Uniforms: $34.5 million

* Telephones: $32.9 million

* Food - $226.6 million

* Vehicle Maintenance - $149 million

* Fuel/Lubricants - $80.3 million (2016 to 2022)

* Equipment Maintenance/Repair - $4 million Janitorial Services - $22.4 million 


In Conclusion: (Not AI) when one has idiots in charge...