U.S. Embassy Donates Drug Fighting Equipment to the RBPF on Grand Bahama

David Jea, U.S. Embassy Narcotics Affairs Officer; Supt. Melvin Lundy, RBPF; U.S. Chargé d’Affaires John Dinkelman and Marine Reservist Boat Captain Robert Osbourne aboard the new marine interceptor speedboat. (Photo State Dept)

On Thursday, August 9, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires John Dinkelman and the U.S. Embassy’s Narcotics Affairs Officer David Jea visited Grand Bahama to present the Marine Services Unit of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) with three new Mercury Verado engines for marine interceptor speedboats to assist critical anti-drug smuggling efforts in the northern Bahamas.

 U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Dinkelman and Police Superintendent Melvin Lundy participated in the ceremony to mark the official handover. Chargé Dinkelman reiterated the U.S. Embassy’s ongoing support to the RBPF, adding that the ceremony is a clear indication of the dedication and cooperation of both governments in improving crime fighting efforts.

Superintendent Lundy thanked the U.S. Embassy for the donation on behalf of Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade, adding that the new engines will further enhance the RBPF’s capacity to gather law enforcement information, conduct investigations, and interdict illicit traffickers operating in northern Bahamas.

The donation, valued at more than $80,000, was made possible by funding from the Department of State’s Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. Following the handover ceremony, the U.S. and Bahamian officials were given an opportunity to see newly refurbished RBPF speed boat in action during a tour of some of Grand Bahama’s canals and waterways.