On behalf of his colleagues, the Leader of the Opposition the Hon. Ezzard Miller, has congratulated the new appointees who will be heading the recently announced Customs and Border Control Agency and the Cayman Islands Coast Guard.

The new appointees include the current Collector of Customs Charles Clifford, who will be the director of the new border agency; former police superintendent Robert Scotland, who will be the new coast guard commander; and former leader of the RCIPS Joint Marine Unit Leo Anglin.

The statement reads:

“Our heartiest congratulations to the three new appointees on their announced new responsibilities with the Customs and Border Control Agency and the Cayman Islands Coast Guard.   We in the Opposition wish them every success in their new duties and pledge our full support.

“The creation of both agencies is an important milestone in our development, particularly at this time of increasing threats and risks to our Islands’ security.

“We believe therefore that establishing these two agencies is an important step forward, and we anticipate close collaboration and team work within and between the new and re-structured agencies.

“We welcome, in particular, the introduction of the Coast Guard with it multi-mission responsibility of protecting our borders from the incursion of drugs, guns, other contraband, and human trafficking; in leading critically needed search and rescue operations; and in enforcing maritime regulations.

“Having always supported the creation of the Coast Guard, we believe and hope the Government will consider giving the Coast Guard control over its resources and budget.”

“In the meantime, we are confident that the members of the new leadership are equipped with the necessary enthusiasm, enterprise, expertise and experience that their new roles and responsibilities will demand.

“We wish them even greater success in this new phase of their already demonstrated exemplary service and commitment to the Cayman Islands and its people.”