From: Bernard Logan
Date: Monday, January 19, 2015
Subject: Security
To: “Devaux, Sean”
Hi Sean,
Thank you for sparing the time to listen to my various grievances!
To summarize:
Following the recent spate of break-ins and robberies, within the marina, a Forum was conducted over the VHF Net, this morning. Several recommendations were made, during that 35 minute broadcast:
Security, at the main dock security gate needs to be tightened. To that end, we would like the security guard to require sight of an ID, including a photo of the individual, for each and every person, wishing to gain access to the docks. Visitors and guests of Marina vessels will need to be met at the gate by the appropriate skipper or crew member. Visitors and/or guests will be required to sign in and out.
Martinique ferries to be banned from the C to G Dock enclosure. I understand that a new ferry, owned by a consortium of previous ferry owners, will be offered a berth on A, B or I Docks. I, as you know, would prefer all ferries from Martinique to be berthed at J Dock; for which purpose, the Customs’ shack will need to be moved to the green outside IWW. This would improve security, within the marina, in one stroke.
The Forum wishes to run its own security patrols, within the Marina, in conjunction with, but separate to, the Guardsman patrols.
The Forum wishes to patrol the Anchorage; for which purpose a rota will need to be drawn up. I will suggest to the organizing committee that, once the rota is agreed, the Marine Police and SLASPA shall be so advised.
The Forum would like like to discuss security with various officials at 0900hrs, on an agreed date. The officials should include the following: The Marine Police Chief; Mr Didier, as the person responsible for tourism; the Head of SLASPA; the chief of Gros Islet Police; Rodney Bay Marina management; and the Head of the Guardsman Security team. The Forum to take place on VHF67. If Simon is agreeable, the various guests could convene in Simon’s office. We need to liaise on a date.
The Forum would like to have an infra-red powered camera erected at the west end of the Main Dock, between E and F Docks, such that movement of vessels up and down that waterway can be monitored. This should be active monitoring, together with recording, by an individual, whose sole responsibility will be to monitor craft movement.
The Forum is given to understand that the hourly wage, offered to our present security people is just over XCD4/hour; at that rate, more than the present detail of four security officers, at any time, should, and must, be affordable.
St Lucia is, rapidly, becoming a No-Go area for the yachting community; it would take no more than a few letters, from different cruisers, to the Caribbean Safety & Security Net and Compass to make isolation of St Lucia effective. This is why the various “guests” to the proposed VHF Forum should be encouraged to attend. The authorities must become aware of the unease, which is palpable among the cruising community. We have had serious crime in Vieux Fort, Break-ins and thefts from cruisers in Souffriere, Marigot Bay, Rodney Bay Anchorage and Rodney Bay Marina.
The economy of St Lucia is not, solely, dependent on the Cruising Community; but, we do, I would suggest, provide a significant income to the St Lucia community, which will be lost, if the cruising community isolate St Lucia.
Regards,
Bernard on s/v Beesmej G20
___________________________________
From: Bernard Logan
Date: Monday, January 19, 2015
Subject: Security
To: “Devaux, Sean”
Date: Monday, January 19, 2015
Subject: Security
To: “Devaux, Sean”
Thank you, Sean.
I omitted to mention one other, important, requirement:
We need the Security Team, at the Main Gate, to stop individuals entering the Marina, who are, clearly not going for dinner or the Bar. I have spoken with the Bread Basket, who welcome such a move, as they are constantly harassed by vagrants and beggars. It is, also, possible that these individuals are the “eye and ears” of whatever gang is targeting the cruising community. It might help!
Regards,
Bernard