Dear Editor,

MR. Singh had mentioned in his earlier letter published last Sunday about the need for the government to acquire more airplanes, helicopters and trucks and other assets to support the government’s mandate to protect, serve and support the public.

I agree and believe this should be done. Since recently, we have seen many cases driving a need for the government to be better equipped.

I had recalled that during the previous government they had gotten a grant from the Canadians or Americans to secure a fleet of new airplanes and helicopters.

It was silly to not accept the offered package of new planes and helicopters to re-equip the GDF and establish a Police Air Wing with western helicopters and airplanes to deal with all the new security, search-and-rescue and other challenges facing this coalition government.

Hopefully, the current coalition government might be able to get that same deal rekindled again and acquire new western equipment with a full warranty, training, support and not any used aircraft and helicopters acquired by the previous government.

The acquisition of new and proper western equipment by our government would enable us to have comparable capabilities available by the governments in Trinidad and Jamaica. The need for proper search-and-rescue, patrol and other enhanced security capabilities should not be viewed as luxuries, but as necessities.

Yours sincerely,

Balram Bhagwandin