Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has disclosed that as the United States continues to play a role in assisting Trinidad and Tobago, this country will be getting more vessels and military personnel to protect its borders.

She noted yesterday that, contrary to what existed under the former People’s National Movement (PNM) administration, the country’s borders were secure, more Coast Guard vessels were operating daily, and the radar system was functional.

“The reports are pointing to a decrease in drugs flowing into the country from South America but it is still continuing through coastal areas in South, Southwest and Central (Trinidad). The Caroni to Marabella coastline continues to be a problem, especially areas covered by mangroves and squatter communities. The coastal squatter communities are heavily infiltrated by criminals and gangs,” she said in response to questions from the Express by phone.