American People Support Maritime Security in Tanzania

U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania Alfonso E. Lenhardt and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Said Mwema discuses a point after the official inauguration of the Tanzania Marine Police Academy and handing over two patrol speed boats in Mwanza on July 18, 2011. The boats are part of training equipment worth $ 255,000 donated to date by the American People to the Academy with a view to enhance Tanzania's and regional maritime security and safety. During the ceremony the U.S government reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting Tanzania and the region in this regard.

U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania Alfonso E Lenhardt gives thumbs up to the first batch of students of the Tanzania Police Marine Academy for demonstrating hard work and brilliance in their training in maritime security during the Inauguration of the Academy and handing over of two speed boats on July 18, 2011 in Mwanza. The donated speed boats are part of training equipment worth USD 255,000 contributed by the American people to the Academy with a view to enhance Tanzania's and regional maritime security and safety. The American people are committed to supplying four additional boats to the Tanzanian National Police for training and for patrol.

The US Ambassador to Tanzania Alfonso E. Lenhardt and Tanzania Deputy Minister for Home Affairs Ambassador Khamis Kagasheki prepare to board one of two speed boats donated by the American People to the Tanzania Marine Police Academy in Mwanza in a ceremony to inaugurate the Academy and handing over the boats held on July 18, 2011 in Mwanza. The boats are part of training equipment worth $ 255,000 donated to date by the American People to the Academy with a view to enhance Tanzania's and regional maritime security and safety. During the ceremony the U.S government reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting Tanzania and the region in this regard.

During the 'Maritime Security and Boat Donation Ceremony for the Tanzanian National Police' held in Mwanza, Tanzania on July 18, U.S. Ambassador Alfonso E. Lenhardt lauded Tanzania's leadership for their commitment to strengthen maritime security, and thanked the nation's leaders and security institutions for their partnership with the U.S.

Presenting two boats and equipment donated by the American people, the Ambassador noted that Tanzanian leaders recognized early the challenges of maritime security, adding: 'Individuals such as my friend the Inspector General of the Tanzanian National Police Said Mwema and his strong supporters such as Minister for Home Affairs, the Honorable Shamshi Vuai Nahodha; Deputy Minister for Home Affairs, Dr. Khamis Kagasheki, and President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete realized that they had no time to waste to confront these national and transnational threats. They worked proactively to create, support, and revitalize the police maritime unit. Due to leaders like these we are all gathered here today.'

The Ambassador pointed to the training offered by the retired U.S. Navy and Coast Guard instructors to Tanzanian National Police members as an example of cooperation and partnership between the two nations. In addition, he described the facilities, built by the Tanzanian people for the Tanzanian people, as impressive, first class facilities which received - and will continue to receive - support from the American people.

To date, the U.S. has contributed over $250,000 USD through the two boats, police equipment including training equipment as well as the furnishings for the facility designed to house 48 police students. 'This represents our desire to partner with you. In addition to the two boats here today, the American people are committed to supplying four additional boats to the Tanzanian National Police for training and for patrol. We are committed to supporting additional maritime courses designed for the needs of the Tanzanian people and the Tanzanian National Police,' the Ambassador said.

The boats, equipment and furnishings, and training offered by U.S. instructors represent a gift from one democracy to another and the beginning of a new round of cooperation between the American and Tanzanian people through law enforcement.

'I am extremely proud to congratulate the Government of Tanzania for their commitment to strengthen maritime security, and for inviting us to partner with them on this endeavor,' Ambassador Lenhardt concluded.

U.S. maritime security programs are part of overall U.S. direct and multilateral annual assistance to Tanzania of over 750 million USD (850 billion Tanzanian shillings).