(Washington, DC, June 8, 2005) — Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen today reiterated the needs of  Virgin Islands ports to U.S. Coast Guard officials appearing before Homeland Security’s Subcommittee on Economic Security, Infrastructure Protection and Cybersecurity.  Christensen told Coast Guard Commandant Thomas H. Collins that the territory was in need of another cutter to meet its homeland security, crime and drug interdiction needs.

“I told the Commandant that even more than a cutter, we need a district center in the Virgin Island,” Christensen said Wednesday.  “I also asked for their increased support for Caribbean port readiness, the certification of our smaller cargo boats for inter-island travel and the need to enhance search and rescue capability for fishermen and others lost at sea.  I particularly referenced the case of Eddie Martinez, who was lost at sea for more than 36 hours with Coast Guard in the area,” the Delegate said.