JDF gets new patrol boats

Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is to receive two 43-foot interceptor patrol boats from the United States Southern Command today.



The US Ambassador, Brenda LaGrange Johnson, is to hand over the vessels to Major General Stewart Saunders at the JDF coast guard headquarters at Port Royal.



The new boats are expected to improve the ability of the Jamaican coast guard to catch illicit smugglers of drugs or weapons.



Two additional boats valued at $2.3 million are to be presented in July, and communications equipment valued at US$ 2.1 million will also be donated later this year.



The equipment will assist the coast guards in communication while conducting patrols.