The National Security Council is deliberating on how best to implement the recommendations of the Inagua Commission, as officials work to find ways to enhance the working relationship between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the United States as it relates to drug interdition matters of Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos.
Since January 1, 2004, OPBAT operations have resulted in the seizure of 1.69 metric tonnes (approximately $178 million) of cocaine and 5.5 metric tonnes (approximately $58.2 million) of marijuana. It has also made 107 drug arrests.
The National Security Council is chaired by Prime Minister Perry Christie and comprises National Security Minister Cynthia Pratt, Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell, Minister of Immigration and Labour Vincent Peet and two private individuals.
On December 6, 2002 former Ambassador Richard Blankenship, at the annual US/Bahamas joint task force meeting, commented onthe alleged improprieties of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force during the arrest and subsequent removal of drugs from the Lorequin in June 1992.
The ambassador’s comments also implied that the subsequent investigation of the incident by the Defence Force and by the police force was inadequate or deliberately mishandled due to institutional or political motives.
Source: Rupert Missick, The Tribune
