KINGSTON, Jamaica — The nation’s border security will be strengthened in the fight against illicit trafficking through training in maritime security, mentoring and the provision of critical equipment under the renewed Seaport Cooperation Project (SEACOP) agreement.

The Memorandum of Understanding, which was signed on Tuesday by the Government and the European Union, marks the fifth and final phase of the SEACOP project which commenced in 2017.

The agreement is a continuation of a long-standing collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking in the region. This phase is being led by Expertise France and the International Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies with funding from the European Union.

Speaking during the ceremony, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, Courtney Williams, said the signing was a key aspect in building consensus among stakeholders and agencies critical to enhancing border security.

He said the MOU will be an amalgamation of efforts of the Jamaica Defence Force, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Jamaica Customs Agency, the Ministry of National Security, Expertise France and the SEACOP Project Team.

Likewise, Project Director of SEACOP Dominique Bucas said the signing reiterated Jamaica’s commitment to the fight against illicit trafficking by sea.

The signing ceremony, which was held at the security ministry’s offices in Kingston, was witnessed by Ambassador to the European Union, Marianne Van Steen; Chief of Defence Staff, Rear Admiral Antonette Wemyss – Gorman; Commissioner of Police Major General Antony Anderson; and Director of Intelligence at the Jamaica Customs Agency, Kalista Powell.