A new UK-funded radar system is now in operation, giving Anguilla’s authorities real-time monitoring of the island’s coastal waters for the first time.
Police, immigration and customs officers now have visibility of vessel movements, helping them detect suspicious activity and respond quickly to threats at sea or on land.
The radar was delivered by the UK’s Joint Maritime Security Centre after an assessment by maritime data firm Sirius Insight on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
The Governor’s Office announced the deployment of the radar in a short statement on 25 July, in which it described it as a “powerful new tool”.
In May, Police Commissioner Robert Clark said the radar will allow authorities to track vessels not electronically identifiable and spot unusual patterns that suggest possible illegal entry.
He said the data will help officers from the Royal Anguilla Police Force to plan operations and intercept unauthorised vessels more effectively than before.
The radar system links to the Emergency Services Control Room and may eventually integrate with a planned islandwide CCTV network.
The Governor’s Office has not yet provided any additional details about the radar system’s operation, location or specifications.
Meanwhile, the Marine Unit currently has no operational boats, after its only vessel broke free from its moorings at Sandy Ground and struck a reef earlier this year.
In response to questions from Anguilla Focus on 26 July, a police spokesperson confirmed: “To date, no work has begun regarding repairs.”
Executive Council minutes from June noted that the government of the British Virgin Islands is donating two vessels to support Anguilla’s maritime capabilities.
The police spokesperson said: “It is hoped that at least one vessel will be on Anguillian waters in the very near future.”
