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DE RUEHSP #0136/01 0321756
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FM AMEMBASSY PORT OF SPAIN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0188
INFO RUEHSP/AMEMBASSY PORT OF SPAIN

UNCLAS PORT OF SPAIN 000136 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: SNAR KCRM AFIN TD
SUBJECT: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: CY2009 END USE MONITORING REPORT 
 
REF: STATE 00119905 
 
¶1. (SBU) Per reftel, Post has provided the following report on 
INL-funded items acquired and donated by the USG to the Government 
of Trinidad and Tobago (GOTT). 
 
 
 
---------- 
 
BACKGROUND 
 
---------- 
 
 
 
¶A. EUM Program Coordinator 
 
 
 
¶2. (SBU) EUM Program Coordinator is Ebony Custis, (868) 822 - 5922, 
custise@state.gov. 
 
 
 
¶B. Inventory System 
 
 
 
¶3. (SBU) Inventory System: Post retains copies of receiving reports 
for all resources distributed to host government agencies.  Post 
currently uses an Excel database to record and track the 
distribution of all resources. The following agencies will assist 
in reviews and verify the condition of resources: MLO, DEA, and 
Customs and Border Protection (CBP). 
 
 
 
 
 
¶C. Staff Member EUM Responsibilities 
 
 
 
¶4. (SBU) EUM Program Coordinator - Ebony Custis 
 
INL Specialist - Sandra De Leon 
 
 
 
Each recipient of INL-Funded equipment is given the "Guidelines for 
INL-Provided Equipment Receipt." Resources provided to the GOTT are 
monitored primarily through quarterly reports to the Embassy that 
detail the location, status and use of the equipment, as required 
by USG-GOTT letters of agreement.  The INL Specialist maintains a 
record of all reports. A central office in the Ministry of National 
Security also receives a copy of these reports.  The GOTT recipient 
agencies are cooperative in allowing requested site visits, but are 
frequently late in submitting written reports.  The GOTT agencies 
are generally better at providing inventory reports than submitting 
reports on the operational use of the donated equipment 
 
 
 
¶D. Other Agency Assistance 
 
 
 
¶5. (SBU) The Embassy's Political/INL officer, Military Liaison 
officer, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Agents, U.S. Customs 
Officers, other Embassy officers and the INL Program Specialist 
monitor the resources when visiting sites where equipment is 
located. 
 
 
 
¶E. Counterpart Agencies 
 
 
 
¶6. (SBU) The following is a list of names and acronyms of 
counterpart agencies that are recipients of USG-provided assets: 
 
 
 
Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) 
 
Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard (TTAG) 
 
Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (TTDF) 
 
National Inter-Agency Command Center (NICC) 
 
Organized Crime Narcotics and Firearm Bureau (OCNFB) 
 
Trinidad and Tobago Customs and Excise Division (TTCED) 
 
Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) 
 
Counter-Drug and Crime Task Force (CDCTF) 
 
St. James/Carenage Police Youth Club (PYC) 
 
Airport Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (AATT) 
 
Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Health 
 
Board of Inland Revenue (BIR) 
 
Piparo Empowerment Center 
 
Ministry of Legal Affairs - Intellectual Property Rights Office 
(IPO) 
 
Judiciary of Trinidad & Tobago 
 
 
 
¶F. Receipt 
 
 
 
¶7. (SBU) Procedures used to document the provision of items 
provided to above agencies are handwritten receipts. 
 
 
 
---------------------- 
 
MONITORING PROCEDURES 
 
---------------------- 
 
 
 
¶A.  On-site Inspections 
 
 
 
¶8. (SBU) 
 
 
 
Number of scheduled on-site inspections performed: 
 
20 
 
Number of unscheduled on-site visits: Four 
 
Number of counterpart sites and cities visited: Four sites were 
visited in one city 
 
 
 
Date and location of each on-site inspection performed: 
 
 
 
February 09: Canine Academy, Judiciary, OCNFB 
 
March 09: Tobago, OCNFB, Customs, TTPS, TTDF, Airports Authority 
 
May 09: Tobago, TTCG, Canine Academy, Piparo 
 
June 09: St. James/Carenage Police Youth Club, CDCFT, TTPS 
 
November 09: Tobago, Customs, OCNFB, St. Clair Coaching School, Air 
Guard, SERVOL 
 
 
 
Date and location of each unscheduled on-site inspection performed 
 
 
 
April 09: NICC 
 
June 09: TTDF, Coast Guard, Canine Academy 
 
Number of donated items subject to inspection: approximately 250, 
including older commodity items 
 
 
 
Percentage of donated items physically inspected: 70 
 
 
 
¶B.  Secondary Methods of Monitoring Resource Status 
 
 
 
¶9. (SBU) Status: Post used reports from the various agencies and 
telephone calls as the secondary method to monitor resources. 
 
 
 
Percentage of donated items monitored using secondary methods: 30 
 
 
 
--------------------- 
 
STATUS - COMMODITIES 
 
--------------------- 
 
 
 
¶A.  Aircraft 
 
 
 
¶10. (SBU) Due to severe mechanical problems and lack of funding for 
replacement parts, the Cessna 172 aircraft has been out-of-service 
since 1994.  It is presently in storage.   Even though the 
long-term plan is to return it to service for use in training, the 
TTCG did not complete any task this year to achieve that goal.  The 
Cessna 310 was not operational in 2009 and has completed its useful 
life. 
 
 
 
Both Piper Navajo aircraft have been disposed of. 
 
 
 
Both of the two C-26 aircraft remained in serviceable condition 
throughout 2009 and completed exercises and one of the other 
aircraft underwent upgrades to the maritime radar, avionics and air 
conditioning, as part of an enhancement contract funded by the 
GOTT. 
 
 
 
¶B.  Vessels 
 
 
 
¶11. (SBU) One of the Bowen "go-fast" boats incurred damage to its 
hull and has been out of service since 2002.  This vessel is not 
salvageable and disposal will take place this year. The second 
vessel was operational during 2009. 
 
 
 
The four 82-foot Class Patrol Craft were operational in 2009 and 
conducted regular patrols off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago. 
Three vessels are headquartered in Trinidad, and the fourth vessel 
is headquartered in Tobago.  One of the vessels is outfitted with 
complete radar, an electronic package, as well as reducers and 
converters. 
 
 
 
The 30-foot U.S. Customs vessel and two 29-foot Phantom 
interceptors are currently operational.  The TT Customs and Excise 
Division and other agencies use these vessels for counternarcotics 
and law enforcement interdiction operations. 
 
 
 
Four Combat Rigid Raiding Craft (CRRC) were operational during 
¶2009.  The engines on these crafts have been overhauled.  These 
crafts were used extensively in maritime interdiction operations 
around Trinidadian waters. 
 
Two 40-foot interceptors were fully functional during 2009. 
 
 
 
The three Zodiac Hurricanes are unserviceable.  One does not have 
an engine.  The second Hurricane was unserviceable due to impeller 
and wiring defects.  The third Hurricane has damaged pontoons.  The 
vessels are not salvageable.  The Board of Survey has not yet 
determined disposal requirements. 
 
 
 
The six night-scopes were in use and fully operational in 2009. 
The TTCG and its Special Naval Unit share the night scopes.  The 
hand-held Global Positioning System receiver was fully functional 
and in use throughout the year.  The data scopes, infrared cameras, 
and three handheld Global Positioning System receivers were fully 
functional and in use throughout 2009. 
 
 
 
¶C.  Vehicles 
 
 
 
¶12. (SBU) The four right-hand drive vehicles that were donated to 
the Organized Crime and Narcotics Unit in 2004 were fully 
functional during the year.  The vehicles allowed the task force to 
conduct surveillance and interdict narcotics trafficking throughout 
the country.  They are being maintained and are located on both the 
islands of Trinidad and Tobago 
 
 
 
¶D.  U.S. Customs-Provided Radar 
 
 
 
 
¶13. (SBU) The two U.S. Customs radars donated in 2001 continue to 
provide the GOTT with information vital to detecting, tracking, and 
intercepting vessels and aircraft suspected of narcotics 
trafficking.  The radar system, via real-time feeds, allows the 
NICC to coordinate the interdiction of vessels suspected of 
narcotics trafficking, as well as vessels suspected of fisheries 
violations. 
 
 
 
 
¶E.  Computer Equipment 
 
 
 
¶14. (SBU) The computer equipment provided to the Counter Narcotics 
and Crime Task Force (CNCTF) allows information and intelligence to 
be analyzed in a more comprehensive and timely manner than would 
otherwise be possible.  The computers, electronic equipment, and 
safe were in use throughout the year, with the exception of ten 
monitors, one printer, and a micro recorder. These items are not 
operational and need to be replaced. 
 
 
 
Computers are installed at the Customs and Excise Prevention Branch 
and at key stations of the Customs and Excise Division throughout 
Trinidad and Tobago.  Each branch was reportedly given an automated 
database system, providing continuous connectivity of the branch as 
well as key stations of the Customs and Excise Division in Trinidad 
and Tobago, and other related law enforcement agencies. The 
computer in Tobago is functioning but is not in use due to the lack 
of ASYCUDA software, a customs management system. 
 
 
 
The 25 laptop computers and three desktop computers donated to the 
Board of Inland Review are fully functional.  The attorneys and new 
criminal tax investigators use the equipment daily. 
 
 
 
The two Compaq computers, printers, and monitors have served their 
useful life but continue to be operational at the Ministry of 
Health. 
 
 
 
Computers and associated peripherals were installed at the Board of 
Inland Revenue.  Criminal Investigation Unit members were trained 
 
on the equipment and in investigative techniques in early 2003. 
Legal and Enforcement training was done in January 2004. This 
equipment continues to be operational. 
 
 
 
One of the two computer workstations, donated to the Joint 
Operations Command Center (JOCC) is used to transmit information to 
and from the El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC), while the other 
serves as a backup. 
 
 
 
The computer and copier provided to the OCNFB are housed at the 
Piarco Airport.  Each has limited functionality and is in need of 
repairs and/or replacement. 
 
 
 
The computers donated to Counter-Drug and Crime Task Force (CDCTF) 
operations and administrative center were used throughout the year, 
but need to be replaced. The copier's useful life has expired but 
it has not yet been disposed of. 
 
 
 
The Trinidad and Tobago Judiciary received computers in 2004-2005 
for the Audio Digital Court Recording Systems.  The equipment is 
used to improve the existing method of taking Notes of Evidence by 
hand, decreasing trial time by 50% and production of the Notes of 
Evidence for judgment and appeals by the same 
 
 
 
All of the computers and other equipment are fully functional and 
are deployed at the St. George West Magistrates Court and the 
Supreme Court. The TTGOV further expanded this project with the 
purchase of 48 additional systems between 2005-2008, thereby 
allowing for the complete installation at the Magistrates' Courts. 
It is anticipated that all courtrooms within the Judiciary will be 
fully equipped by the end of 2011. 
 
 
 
¶F.  Communications Equipment 
 
 
 
¶15. (SBU) The Organized Crime and Narcotics Unit's (OCNU) 30 
hand-held radios are in the field, at Piarco Airport and at OCNU's 
headquarters. 
 
 
 
The ten radios provided to the Interpol Liaison Office were in use 
throughout the year.  They were used to conduct communications 
between Interpol, other TTPS units and the TT Customs and Excise 
Division. All are in good condition; however, all will need to be 
upgraded to meet current technological requirements. 
 
 
 
¶G.  Miscellaneous 
 
 
 
¶16. (SBU) The kool kube, battering ram, handcuffs, tape recorders, 
binoculars, bullet proof vests (70), camera kit, chainsaws, 
electronic surveillance equipment, night vision goggles and brush 
cutters are all operational and in use by the OCNFB.  All equipment 
is kept at headquarters and assigned for specific missions; it is 
not distributed to individual officers.  The boots, bulletproof 
vests, chainsaws, and brush cutters, were particularly valuable as 
defenses against booby traps planted by marijuana growers.  The 
brush cutters have been serviced and are operating at an acceptable 
level. 
 
 
 
The two TT Defense Force (TTDF) hand-held Global Positioning System 
receivers were fully functional and in use throughout the year. 
The unit is regularly used during marijuana eradication operations 
to help locate marijuana fields and to position troops.  The night 
scopes and other electronic surveillance units assisted in locating 
go-fast contacts that would have normally been missed during 
nocturnal operations. 
 
 
 
The Redman gear and gym mats have greatly enhanced the ability of 
 
TT Customs and Excise to train its officers in both hand-to-hand 
combat and personal defense. 
 
 
 
The handcuffs provided to the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service 
(TTPS) are used to transport prisoners to and from court and in 
general police work.  The digital camera and micro-cassette 
recorders were used throughout the year to record interviews and 
interrogations of suspects. They have a direct correlation to a 
higher success rate with regard to prosecutions based on such 
interviews. 
 
 
 
Three of the four digital cameras provided to the TTPS are 
functioning.  These cameras are used at crime scenes to document 
evidence and for mug shots.  While these photos have not been used 
in court as evidence, investigators have used the photographs to 
identify crime scene areas that needed further exploration. 
 
 
 
TTPS' editing VCR was fully functional and used throughout the 
year.  It has greatly improved the audiovisual section's ability to 
produce high quality drug education and public service videos. 
 
 
 
INL provided 70 bulletproof vests protect TTPS officers during law 
enforcement operations. 
 
 
 
Thirty (30) iron beds as well as woodworking equipment are at the 
Piparo empowerment center.  All items are in good condition and in 
use by the Piparo residents. 
 
 
 
The TV and the VCR provided to the Police Youth Club have 
significantly increased the number of children exposed to the 
counter drug videos.  Having the equipment on site has allowed 
greater flexibility in terms of when the videos can be shown.  All 
of the items are in good condition and were in use throughout the 
year. 
 
 
 
The Ion scanner provided to the Airport Authority of Trinidad and 
Tobago (AATT) remains minimally operational due to power surges 
that damage the sensitive equipment. 
 
 
 
¶H.  Canines 
 
 
 
¶17. (SBU) Four explosive detection canines arrived in country in 
June 2005; two were donated to the Trinidad and Tobago Police 
Service (TTPS) and two to the Customs and Excise Division. In 2006, 
four additional canines were acquired: one cadaver-locating dog, 
two narcotics dogs and one tactical/narcotics dog for a total of 
six dogs. All of the dogs continue to be used extensively at the 
airports and other points of entry, in addition to being used in 
the explosive detection unit.  They have conducted over 200 
operations including search of outgoing and incoming passenger's 
baggage, import and export cargo, courier packages, major high 
profile events and during several bomb threats. They have assisted 
in the capture of over 25kg of marijuana, and approx 5kg of 
cocaine.  When seen carrying out their duties, these canines convey 
a sense of security to the public. However, these dogs have been 
over-worked and may need to be replaced soon. 
 
 
 
 
¶I.  Problems 
 
 
 
 
¶18. (SBU) The INL program employs a full time INL Specialist to 
staff the office and to monitor equipment use.  In spite of 
meetings with officials responsible for compiling data for the end 
use report, Post continues to experience delays in receiving the 
necessary reports from GOTT counterparts.  The GOTT requires that 
the Office of the Minister of National Security approve all 
reports.  This procedure causes significant delays. Post is 
 
otherwise unaware of any significant problems in the course of the 
year's equipment use. 
 
 
 
Adequate staffing remains the biggest obstacle in narcotics and law 
enforcement.  The GOTT continues to take steps to ease their 
manpower shortage, but some government entities still do not have 
the required manpower to fully use the INL-funded services and 
commodities provided. 
 
 
 
There are no unmonitored commodities. 
 
 
 
------------------- 
 
SPECIAL COMMODITIES 
 
------------------- 
 
 
 
¶A.  Aircraft 
 
 
 
Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard 
 
 
 
Cessna: 2 
 
C-26: 2 
 
 
 
¶B.  Vehicle 
 
 
 
Organized Crime Narcotics and Firearms Bureau 
 
 
 
Toyota Corolla PBR 6763: 1 
 
Toyota Corolla PRB 6764: 1 
 
Nissan Almera  PBR 6751: 1 
 
Nissan Almera  PBR 6752: 1 
 
 
 
¶C.  Vessels 
 
 
 
Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard 
 
 
 
82-foot Class Patrol craft: 4 
 
Combat Rigid Raiding Craft: 4 
 
Bowen Go-Fast boats: 2 
 
Zodiac (RHIBS): 3 
 
40-foot Midnight Express: 2 
 
 
 
Trinidad and Tobago Customs and Excise 
 
 
 
29-foot Phantom interceptors: 2 
 
30-foot Boston Whaler: 1 
 
 
 
----------------------------------- 
 
 
PROGRAM IMPACT BY COMMODITY/SERVICE 
 
 
----------------------------------- 
 
 
 
Interdiction 
 
 
 
¶19. (SBU) The GOTT conducted marijuana eradication operations 
resulting in the capture of 2,092 kg of cannabis. Additionally, 
GOTT improved training and general maintenance of aircraft over the 
year.  As in previous years, the GOTT funded repairs of its 
vehicles and vessels and will likely continue this practice in the 
coming year.  Benefiting from INL-funded equipment and training, 
GOTT law enforcement agencies apprehended 43couriers at airports 
attempting to smuggle narcotics into the United States.  Drug 
officials have noticed an increase in utilizing drug mules for 
smuggling. According to GOTT law enforcement personnel, marijuana 
eradication operations occurred almost daily.  The GOTT provided 
significant resources for the TTAG by upgrading its two C-26 
aircraft with maritime sensor packages.  Post noted that GOTT law 
enforcement entities and the DEA jointly initiated 6 ongoing 
investigations in 2009. Additionally, the Defense Force 
participated in their first JIATF South joint operation, Carib 
Venture, in October 2009. 
 
 
 
Aircraft 
 
 
 
¶20. (SBU) The Cessna and C-26 aircrafts flew 285 missions, logging 
over 394 flying hours, which included patrol, support, training, 
and counternarcotics missions.  However, a continued lack of 
reporting by the TTCG and TTAG made it difficult to determine if 
the intelligence gathered by the C-26 had been utilized.  The 
sensor/maintenance has greatly enhanced the Air Wing's ability to 
patrol the area surrounding Trinidad and Tobago. 
 
 
 
Vessels 
 
 
 
¶21. (SBU) The Combat Rigid Raiding Craft (CRRC), the one 
operational Bowen Go-Fast boat, the four 82-foot patrol boats and 
the two 40-foot interceptors conducted over 90 patrols and 
intercepted an undisclosed amount of marijuana and cocaine as well 
as small arms, ammunition and other contraband. 
 
 
 
The two 29-foot Phantoms and the other Customs vessels have played 
a key role in monitoring the nation's coast and surrounding waters. 
During 2009, Customs officials conducted more than 170 
counter-drug/law enforcement patrols and frequently operated in 
conjunction with TTCG and other GOTT law enforcement agencies when 
performing those operations.  However, the operations of the 
Customs Marine Interdiction Unit (MIU) continue to suffer some 
restriction due to staff shortages. 
 
 
 
Computer Equipment 
 
 
 
¶22. (SBU) The implementation of the Audio Digital Recording Systems 
has decreased trial time by approximately 65% and production of 
Notes of Evidence for judgment and appeals by the same percentage. 
The increased pace allows the litigation of more cases to be 
disposed of during this period than were filed.  This reduces the 
court backlog, shortens the appeal process and provides the accused 
with faster and more efficient access to justice. Even though more 
cases are being heard, the total number of cases has significantly 
increased, causing a continued backlog in the judicial system. 
 
 
 
Only two (2) of the Counterdrug and Crime Task Force (CDCTF) 
computers are being used at this time for storage purposes. 
However, due to the age of the computers (13yrs)they have served 
their useful life and need to be disposed of and replaced with 
current technology. 
 
The computers located at the Ministry of Legal Affairs have 
assisted the IPO in becoming a fully automated entity by 
complementing and enhancing its technological capabilities. The 
computers increase the range of access to the patent information 
services and provide current transactions of all intellectual 
property applications.  The IPO has successfully captured and 
validated all patent and trademark records and continues to expand 
the scope of the data captured to include classification of 
figurative elements and patent diagrams. 
 
 
 
Vehicles 
 
 
 
¶23. (SBU) The vehicles allow the OCNFB to conduct surveillance and 
interdict narcotics trafficking throughout the islands of Trinidad 
and Tobago 
 
 
 
Canines 
 
 
 
¶24. (SBU) The Canine Academy continues to be one of Post's most 
successful programs to date. The dogs have performed Over 200 
exercises resulting in the seizure of 25 kg of marijuana and 5g of 
cocaine. 
 
Miscellaneous 
 
 
 
¶25. (SBU) Suspended school students spend their day at the PYC 
where they receive assistance with their studies rather than 
remaining at home or on the street.  The television and VCR have 
significantly increased the number of children exposed to PYC's 
counterdrug videos.  On-site equipment has allowed greater 
flexibility of when and how frequently club members are exposed to 
counterdrug videos.  The ping pong table is an additional incentive 
to spend free time at the PYC.  The computer equipment is being 
used to help members with their studies and to teach basic computer 
skills.  These skills continue to enhance their ability to obtain 
future employment, rather than potentially get involved in drug 
trafficking. 
 
 
 
----------------------------------- 
 
PROBLEMS AND CORRECTIVE ACTION PLAN 
 
----------------------------------- 
 
 
 
¶A.  Unmonitored Resources - N/A 
 
 
 
¶B.  Repair and Maintenance of Commodities 
 
 
 
¶26. (SBU) Even though GOTT repairs and maintains the majority of 
donated commodities; there are still a number of inoperable items. 
Future LOA's are expected to include a requirement for service 
agreements to enable the GOTT to repair vehicles, vessels, 
equipment when needed to minimize downtime. 
 
 
 
¶C.  Lack of use or Misuse 
 
 
 
¶27. (SBU) The Ion Scan machine was donated to the Airport 
Authority; however, this unit is not in use. Consequently, no 
arrests can be attributed to this machine. Post will continue to 
encourage the equipment's use. 
 
 
 
¶D.  Disposal of Commodities 
 
¶28. (SBU) Due to technological advancements, normal shelf life, and 
cost of maintenance; GOTT has several items that need to be 
disposed.  Post offered assistance to the GOTT on these matters and 
now intends to work with GSO and INL Wash to have the commodities 
disposed of by the end of the current year. 
 
 
 
¶E.  Other Problems 
 
 
 
¶29. (SBU) Equipment reports from GOTT are not always accurate; 
consequently end use monitoring is time consuming.  Post is 
otherwise unaware of any significant problems in the course of the 
year's equipment use. 
Kusnitz