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Saipan seaport gets its own patrol boat
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Posted on Oct 31 2006
After over two years of waiting, the Saipan seaport has finally acquired its own patrol boat, courtesy of a grant from the Homeland Security Department.
The seaport had submitted its grant application to the department in 2002 amounting to $1.4 million. The total amount has since then increased to $1.9 million.
According to seaport police chief Pius M. Helgen the $1.9 million covers the years 2004 and 2005.
“This grant covers two years,” he said in an interview during yesterday’s christening of the patrol boat at the Saipan seaport.
The ceremony, held at 2:30pm yesterday, was attended by acting Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez, some lawmakers, U.S. Coast Guard, CPA officials and staff, and other guests.
Commonwealth Ports Authority executive director Clyde Norita said the total grant amount was used to buy the boat, which is worth some $235,000.
Also included in the grant is the fencing around the Saipan seaport and Tinian seaport as well as installation of surveillance camera in the vicinity of the Saipan seaport.
“We’re grateful for this grant because it enhances our port security. This is very much needed,” said Norita.
“We’re much safer than before,” exclaimed Villagomez in his brief remarks, noting that the administration will continue to work with concerned agencies to ensure greater protection of CNMI borders.
Saipan seaport manager Lee Cabrera said it is the first time in history for the seaport to have its own patrol boat. It used to borrow patrol boats from the Department of Public Safety when needed, especially during ship visits.
“We provide escort security when ships dock here. We go out there. We used to get assistance from DPS. Now that we have our own boat, it will really help us a lot,” Helgen said.
He said he is not aware of any pending grant at the Homeland Security for the purchase of more boats.
“There’s no grant right now. We’ll certainly apply if there’s available funding for our jurisdiction,” he said.
CPA has 36 ports police officers. Six of them are deployed at the Saipan seaport.
