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September 3, 2007
Gov. deJongh shows support for U.S. Customs and Border Protection initiative Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. Monday expressed his full support for a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) initiative aimed at increasing the size and level of its security efforts in the territory. An additional three CBP employees, including a new Marine Supervisor, will be based in St. Thomas and are scheduled to be phased in by FY 2009, increasing capacity by one per Fiscal Year. CBP will also be exploring other manpower options, as well as the use of technology, in conjunction with the National Park Service on St. John, as part of its initiative to strengthen local security efforts. "The issue of border security in the Virgin Islands is of the highest importance to my administration. I am pleased with the decision of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to augment our available, local resources as part of an all-encompassing and critically-needed public safety program. These additional assets will further protect our Virgin Islands residents, as well as the thousands of visitors who come to our islands for vacation or to conduct business," deJongh said. A component of the Department of Homeland Security, CBP is responsible for protecting our nation's borders in order to prevent illegal immigrants as well as terrorists and their weapons from entering the United States, while facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel. A recent CBP report to Congress notes "potential vulnerabilities," in the Virgin Islands infrastructure, and Chris Clark, Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security, notes that "the enhanced resources that will be devoted to the territory, including personnel at the supervisory level and other staff are part of a dedicated CBP effort to maintain a proactive vigilance over the resources needed in the U.S.V.I., especially as relates to any potential and increasing terrorist or other, homeland security threats. We are moving forward with steps to provide for the protection needed to secure the area, including an increase in marine agents," Clark said. "The forward movement on this issue is, in large part, due to the concerted efforts of Delegate Donna Christian-Christensen, who has been a consistent voice on this issue. These new resources are a result of the April visit of the U.S. House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee, of which she is a member, to the territory. We will continue to work closely together to secure the appropriate federal resources in this area," deJongh said. |
