In terms of equipment, this includes the replacement of the cutters and the coastal radar chain on the Windward Islands. Additionally, the coast guard is expanding significantly, and new positions need to be filled in the coming months. This is one of the biggest challenges due to the required specializations. New personnel will be recruited as much as possible from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.
Turbulent Environment
The annual plan also outlines the key environmental factors that determine the work of the coast guard. The Caribbean part of the Kingdom is a dynamic region with geopolitical, socio-economic, and climatic challenges. For example, the ongoing crisis in Venezuela has destabilizing effects on the entire region. Irregular immigration from the South American country is one example. Furthermore, the Caribbean region faces cross-border organized crime, particularly drug and human trafficking. Periodically, (extreme) climatic conditions, such as hurricanes, also occur. These environmental factors directly influence the work of the Coast Guard.
Broad Range of Tasks
The coast guard is the maritime link in the law enforcement chain of the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. For Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the public bodies of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, the coast guard performs not only service tasks, such as search and rescue, but also investigative and supervisory tasks. These include not only drug enforcement, general police tasks, counter-terrorism, and border surveillance, but also enforcing environmental regulations and combating human trafficking and trade.
The annual plan builds on the Long-Term Personnel Plan 2021-2028 and the Long-Term Equipment Plan 2019-2028.