VZCZCXYZ0021
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHWN #0107/01 0181612
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 181612Z JAN 06
FM AMEMBASSY BRIDGETOWN
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 1667

UNCLAS BRIDGETOWN 000107 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR DS/IP/OPO/FPD 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ASEC ABUD ASUP AFIN
SUBJECT: LOCAL GUARD FORCE VEHICLES FUNDING REQUEST 
 
REF:  A.)  RSO memo dated 11/03/2005 
 
      B.) Tokyo RPSO e-mail dated 11/08/2005 
 
¶1.  Post requests funding to replace our existing two 
(2) LGP roving patrol vehicles that have exceeded their 
life-cycle: 
 
--A)  Vehicle No. 1 
 
      Isuzu Pickup 
      VIN No. JAATFS55H37102871 
      Purchase date 04-Oct-2003 
      Mileage - 152,654 kms. 
 
--B)  Vehicle No. 2 
 
      Isuzu Pickup 
      VIN No. JAATFS55H37102872 
      Purchase date 04-Oct-2003 
      Mileage - 151,070 kms. 
 
--C)  Original purchase price: 
 
      (1)  Vehicle No. 1 - US $28,335.00 
      (2)  Vehicle No. 2 - US $28,335.00 
 
¶2.  Post's two (2) roving patrol vehicles have 
surpassed their normal life expectancy for a patrol 
vehicle. 
 
¶3.  Due to extreme wear caused by poor road conditions 
in Barbados, operational coverage is being affected. 
The existing patrol vehicles have experienced 
significant amounts of "down time".  Both vehicles are 
currently in the shop for major mechanical repairs. 
During the life of both vehicles, repairs have 
included: 
 
--A)  Rebuilt motor, gear box, several clutch 
replacement, steering and alignment, shocks, body work, 
hoses and fuses and tire replacements. 
 
--B)  Total repair and maintenance costs from 2004 to 
present: 
 
      (1)  Vehicle No. 1 - US $14,214.00 
      (2)  Vehicle No. 2 - US $13,609.00 
 
¶4.  On November 2, 2005, ARES Security Group's 
President informed Post management that the local guard 
roving patrol drivers have reported near accidents due 
to the Isuzu pick-up's light rear end (ref. A). 
Barbados streets are frequently slippery due to the 
numerous days of tropic rains. 
 
¶5.  Gasoline cost in Barbados is 55% higher than the 
cost of diesel fuel.  As a result, the purchase of a 
foreign made diesel vehicle will result in a savings of 
several thousands of dollars per year in fuel costs. 
 
¶6.  The following are vehicle purchase quotes, 
including Cost/Insurance/Freight (CIF) from local 
dealers and RPSO/Tokyo (ref. B): 
 
--A)  Toyota (Landcruiser) - US $33,766.00 (RPSO/Tokyo) 
--B)  Mitsubishi (Pajero)  - US $42,837.50 (Local 
Dealer) 
--C)  Toyota (Landcruiser) - US $40,000.00 (Local 
Dealer) 
--D)  Nissan (Patrol)      - US $40,750.00 (Local 
Dealer) 
 
NOTE:  The cost of a locally procured vehicle (similar 
to Toyota Land Cruiser) (same specs as provided to 
RPSO/Tokyo) is almost US$6,000 higher than RPSO/Tokyo's 
quote. 
 
¶7.  If post is authorized replacement roving patrol 
vehicles, the two current roving patrol vehicles will 
be transferred to GSO for disposal. 
 
¶8.  ACTION REQUESTED: 
 
--A)  Post requests authorization to purchase two (2) 
Toyota Landcruiser Prado or similar vehicles from Tokyo- 
RPSO to be used for local guard roving patrol vehicles. 
 
--B)  Requested Vehicle Specifications: 
 
      Toyota Landcruiser Prado or similar vehicle 
      4 x 4 (part-time) 
      Steering: Right-hand (same as Japan) 
      Transmission: Automatic 
      Interior: Cloth 
      Engine: 3000cc Diesel Turbo 
 
--C)  If authorization is granted, funding in the 
amount of USD 68,000 will be needed to pay for the 
cost, insurance and freight (CIF) from Tokyo to 
Bridgetown. 
 
--D)  Post also requests DS/IP/OPO/FPD provide a copy 
of disposal form 1559. 
 
GILROY