Wednesday, December 16, marks the completion of the United States government’s year-long US$1 million upgrade of the Royal Grenada Police Force Coast Guard’s two nearshore intercept vessels. The SAFE Boat Mid-Life Upgrade included a complete vessel overhaul, new engines, and a spare parts package to ensure continued operability. The upgrades extend the vessels’ performance for an additional six years and bring the Grenadian Coast Guard fleet to full strength.

The upgrade of the two Grenadian Coast Guard drug interceptor vessels was made possible through U.S. State Department’s Caribbean Basin Security Initiative’s (CBSI) Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program and U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). Work was conducted by SAFE Boats International technicians, the CBSI Technical Assistance Field Team (TAFT) and Naval Sea System Command (NAVSEA). The project supports Grenada’s own defense and its contributions to regional security.

U.S. Embassy Principal Officer Karl Duckworth explained, “This vessel upgrade continues SOUTHCOM’s and the U.S. Embassy’s Enduring Promise of regional support and security cooperation with Grenada and the Eastern Caribbean. We stand with Grenada to strengthen national border security, protect its territorial waters, and counter narcotics smuggling and other forms of transnational crime.”

The first vessel’s overhaul process was completed in February, and it has been in active use as the backbone of Coast Guard operations for maritime security against illegal activity. Due to the global pandemic, the second vessel’s upgrade completion was delayed until recently; however, in November, technicians returned to Grenada to complete their work. Certification sea trials performed last week completed the project, bringing the Grenadian coast guard fleet to full strength.

“The United States is a strong partner on interdiction efforts, and the SAFE boats have been invaluable,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police Franklyn Redhead. “For example, in April the RGPF used one of the boats to arrest three individuals, two from St. Vincent and one from Grenada, and recovered approximately 379 pounds of marijuana, a boat, and cash worth almost $320,000.”