The services of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force are expected to be enhanced with the receipt last week of two vehicles.{{more}}

Last Thursday, February 11, South Leeward parliamentary representative Dr. Douglas Slater handed over the keys to one fire tender and one jeep for the Force’s K-9 unit at the Questelles Police Station.

The fire tender, valued at approximately EC$300,000, holds a capacity of just over 100 gallons of water and is intended to be a first response to fires in the immediate district and surroundings.

Meanwhile, the K-9 unit vehicle valued at EC$15,000 with duty free exemption from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority is expected to assist with the quick dispatch of the unit’s three dogs (one for narcotics and the others for explosive devices detection), to areas where they are needed at short notice.

Commissioner of Police Keith Miller, speaking at the hand over, said that the fire truck will be able to protect the various communities and business places in the area, while enhancing the capabilities of the Force.

Dr. Slater noted that although the vehicles will improve the work of the various departments to which the vehicles will be assigned, he believed that the prevention of fires and other criminal activities is better than curing them.

He called on community members and business places to be more vigilant in their daily duties, which could minimize the damage that can be caused by fire.

Also speaking at the hand over was security advisor Sir Vincent Beache, who indicated that about three more fire-tending vehicles are expected for other police stations.