Policy matters relating to security cooperation between Anguilla and St. Martin/St. Maarten were the main subjects discussed at a tripartite meeting involving top level officials from the islands on Tuesday this week. They met in the Executive Council Chambers at the Governor’s Office in Anguilla.

St. Martin/St. Maarten and Anguillian officials at Tripartite Meeting

A release by Governor Alan Huckle said that various issues were discussed. These included additional measures against the transit of illegal weapons and drugs into Anguilla as well as illegal immigration between the two islands.

The release stated that efforts were being made to tighten security and the screening of passengers, baggage and containers at the various ports of entry and to increase the number of coordinated marine patrols.

“Sea taxis and other charter boats are being warned to comply with port and immigration requirements,” the release went on. “Facilities for the rapid exchange of criminal information are being improved and the level of security cooperation and mutual exchange is being significantly enhanced.”

Governor Huckle explained that the meeting was one of a regular series of tripartite security cooperation meetings at policy level which are held at about three-monthly intervals. Tuesday’s meeting was preceded by an operational meeting in Dutch St. Maarten last week.

The officials at this week’s policy meeting hosted by Governor Huckle, included from French St. Martin Monsieur Ambroise Devaux on behalf of the Sous Prefet, who could not attend, and the Mayor, Mr. Albert Fleming as well as representatives of the Gendarmerie, Police au Frontieres (immigration), Douane (Customs), Police Municipale, the Mayor’s Office and the Manager of the Port of Marigot.

Dutch St. Maarten was represented by Lt. Governor Franklin Richards who was accompanied by representatives of the Police, Coast Guard, Customs and Immigration services.

Anguilla was represented by H.E. Governor Huckle, Commissioner of Police, Keithly Benjamin, Superintendent Rudolph Proctor, Detective Inspector Bernard Watson, Chief Immigration Officer, Laureen Bryan, and Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Glen Hodge.

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