SECRET UK EYES A
larger role in the important and growing task of surveillance, and monitoring of drug trafficking in the Region.
29. These new initiatives with Colombia, and the US
Administration's growing assertiveness in the campaign against drug trafficking, has raised the profile of the region and
brought enhanced employment for the WIGS which also continues to
provide a reassuring presence to those islands in the region who
rely in some measure on the UK's support. Hurricane Hugo
brought widespread destruction to the area in September and
British Forces provided vital disaster relief assistance in its
aftermath.
30. Having recently mounted TRADEWINDS 89, its most ambitious
exercise yet, the Regional Security System (RSS) is showing
welcome signs that it is beginning to find its feet although
there remain very real problems with Command, Control and
Communications. UK policy is to continue support for the RSS
whilst at the same time seeking ways to reduce the number of our
people deployed. Restoration in August of US Military Aid
Programme (MAP) funding for local defence forces and regional
security organisations came as welcome news. Our training
support to the Caribbean region has increased this year and with
new teams in Granada and 3 more LSP in Barbados we now have 17
LSP committed to the Eastern Caribbean. Trinidad and Tobago are showing clear and welcome signs of wishing to encourage a closer
military relationship with the UK.
31. In Central America the post election crises resulting from Noriega's refusal to leave office in Panama has given the US
continuing anxieties in this region of uncertain stability. Set
against this background, the presence of the British Garrison in Belize is clearly perceived as something of a steadying local
influence; it also brings us useful and regular contact with the
US military authorities who, of necessity, have cause to be
interested in our point of view. A recent change of government
in Belize does not appear to pressage a shift of attitude in the Belizean's attitude towards the structure or deployment of the
Belize Defence Force (BDF), Belizeanisation of which proceeds
apace.
Confirmation that reliable UK funding is now possible
SECRET UK EYES A
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