The UK Navy ship whose initial offer to strengthen the integrity of our borders was declined by the BVI Government, is now on its way back to the territory.
This was confirmed by a press letter released by His Excellency, Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert that stated “to tackle the immediate threats to our border security, I am pleased to announce that HMS Medway will shortly return to our waters to offer additional support with surveillance and act as a deterrent. HMS Medway is a British Royal Navy patrol ship, designed for counter-piracy, anti-smuggling, fishery protection and border patrol.”
“She will stay in our vicinity until the end of October and work alongside the RVI Police Force and other members of the Joint Task Force to support patrols and temporary radar arrangements in place,” the governor added.
Governor Jaspert stated that the effort will be fully funded by the UK government and contributes to ongoing efforts by our regional and international partners to tackle smuggling in this region.
The crew will not come on to land and will not meet Joint Task Force officers face-to-face in order to avoid any risks of transmitting the virus.
Earlier this year, there was a previous offer from the UK Government to provide military maritime support however, the effort was declined by Premier Andrew A. Fahie who said “there was some discussion about military support and I must say here that the UK and its ‘agent’ seem to be itching to put military personnel within the jurisdiction, whether on the sea or on the land.”
Instead, Premier Fahie expressed confidence in the territory’s collaboration with the USVI to ramp up border security efforts.
He said “by this collaboration in an area of common ground, which is border protection, the BVI and USVI will be able to tighten both sides of the shared border.”
“Measures such as these are our first option and they must be given the time and opportunity to mature before we reach for drastic measures. The UK navy should be our last resort and I want to say that with due respect,” the Premier added.
The Governor within his statement today shared his disappointment on Government’s decline adding “I was disappointed that the offer of security support was not accepted at the time, as I felt it was a missed opportunity to enhance our local capability and protect our community from external risks. I have continually pressed this as a priority with colleagues.”
“Now, in light of recent events and subsequent consequences, I feel I must do all in my power to protect the people of the British Virgin Islands and to support our dedicated law enforcement teams.”
Following the Coronavirus-induced border closure the territory has recorded a few attempts of human smuggling which authorities fear may have compromised the health of residents.
The Governor said military presence from the UK will protect and secure our wide sea borders from illegal entries, the smuggling of narcotics and money, and the ongoing threat of COVID-19.