ROSEAU, Dominica (CMC) – An agreement amounting to US$1.5 million has been signed with China towards purchasing police vehicles and equipment as well as the training of policemen and women.

National Security Minister Rayburn Blackmore who made the announcement on Friday at the commissioning of a new police station and court in Laplaine, to the east of here, said the agreement is one that deepens ties between both countries.

“I signed on behalf of the Government of Dominica with the Ministry of Defense with the government of the People’s Republic of China… to the tune of US$1.5 million and it is going to be utilised to procure new vehicles, to train police officers, and to invest in equipment for search and rescue.”

He said the agreement is with a view to further developing the friendly and cooperative relations between the People’s Republic of China and the People of Dominica. This relationship as you know was initiated by our own honorable prime minister and now my dear friends we can see for ourselves some of the benefits deriving from that great partnership.”

The new police station is financed through a loan from the Social Security fund.