By US Embassy Bahamas

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State (DAS) for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) traveled to The Bahamas earlier this year to engage senior government officials on the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), a regional partnership to improve citizen safety throughout the Caribbean.

On Wednesday, February 26, DAS Arreaga and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell signed an Amended Letter of Agreement (ALOA) which provides an additional $1,850,000 in U.S. assistance under CBSI to reduce illicit trafficking, increase public safety and security, and promote social justice—the ALOA also increases U.S. support for corrections in The Bahamas.

During his visit, DAS Arreaga met with Minister of National Security Dr. Bernard Nottage and Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson to discuss ongoing programs to combat illicit drugs and organized crime and to support law enforcement and rule of law.

At the American Corner on Tuesday, February 25, DAS Arreaga attended a presentation by the National L.E.A.D. Institute and participants of a corrections-focused study tour to North Carolina in January 2014 sponsored by the Embassy’s INL Section. The study tour gave sixteen Bahamian government and civil society representatives an opportunity to explore best practices and alternative approaches in rehabilitative services. At the presentation, trip participants shared their lessons learned from the trip, including their ideas for creating more collaborative, coordinated, evidence-based approach to corrections in The Bahamas.

Continuing the longstanding partnership in law enforcement between the United States and The Bahamas, DAS Arreaga and Acting Royal Bahamas Police Force Commissioner Quinn McCartney participated in the formal handover of more than $110,000 in technology and equipment for the Drug Enforcement Unit on February 26. DAS Arreaga also formally presented a 15-foot galvanized boat trailer to the Marine Support Unit valued at over $1,000. The equipment will enhance the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s ability to gather law enforcement information, conduct investigations, and perform interdiction operations. DAS Arreaga and Acting Commissioner McCartney also discussed several ongoing projects supported by the Embassy’s INL Section, including plans to refurbish an auditorium and model classroom at the Police College and to upgrade previously-donated equipment in the Police College computer lab.

While in Nassau, DAS Arreaga also received a tour of Her Majesty’s Prison from Acting Superintendent Patrick Wright. In October 2013, INL sponsored Her Majesty’s Prison participation in a four-day study tour to examine construction and bidding for security infrastructure in Lincoln, Nebraska, which explored best practices in prison/detention facility design, construction, and operation. INL organized the schedule for a Bahamian-funded follow-up visit by Acting Superintendent Wright and several officials from Her Majesty’s Prison to the Nebraska State Penitentiary February 23-25 to take a more focused look at the prison industries operation and medical support services. DAS Arreaga and Acting Superintendent Wright discussed ways to deepen cooperation in the area of corrections.

PHOTOS:

DAS Arreaga and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell sign Amended Letter of Agreement (ALOA) which provides an additional $1,850,000 in U.S. assistance under CBSI. Top Right: DAS Arreaga meets with the Minister of National Security Dr. Bernard Nottage to discuss ongoing programs to combat illicit drugs and organized crime. Bottom Right: DAS Arreaga meets with the Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General Allyson Maynard-Gibson to discuss ongoing programs to support law enforcement and rule of law.

DAS Arreaga visits the RBPF’s Marine Support Unit to formally present Acting Royal Bahamas Police Force Commissioner Quinn McCartney with maritime equipment to enhance the RBPF’s ability to gather law enforcement information, conduct investigations, and perform interdiction operations.

DAS Arreaga attends presentation by the National L.E.A.D. Institute held at the American Corner. DAS Arreaga is pictured with L.E.A.D. Director Troy Clarke and U.S. Government representatives, James Story, Kristin Gilmore and Kale Edwards.