Financial services provider ECHE Limited pitched its newly acquired state-of-the-art tactical asset protection (TAP) armoured vehicles fleet as a game-changer in the local financial sector during a courtesy call on Minister of Security Dr Horace Chang last Wednesday (July 17).

The fleet, valued at over US$1 million, is a sizable investment in safety and client success by the relatively new entity.

During the visit, which served to underscore the company’s commitment to enhancing the security of cash transit operations across Jamaica, ECHE’s top brass presented one of the vehicles to the Ministry of National Security.

ECHE founder and CEO Lititia Myers Gray, chief risk officer Captain Garth Gray, and board member Charles Rodriguez demonstrated to Chang an overview of the truck’s advanced security and operational capabilities, which include significantly contributing to national safety and economic stability.

The ECHE team provided detailed insights into the vehicle’s progress and impact since its commissioning in May this year.

Police Commission Dr Kevin Blake and acting deputy commissioner Warren Clarke were also present.

“The introduction of these armoured trucks marks a significant step in our mission to safeguard the movement of cash and deter criminal activities that threaten the banking sector, the safety of our TAP Squad and the wider public. Our state-of-the-art TAP Squad is a testament to our commitment to exceptional asset protection for financial institutions and national security,” said Myers Gray.

The armoured trucks will service ECHE’s growing roster of clients who are looking for world-class protection and security to move their cash and valuables. Armoured cash-in-transit vehicles, previously unseen in Jamaica outside of military use, provide unparalleled asset protection.

“Equipped with B7 armour, the trucks offer ballistic resistance against high-powered rounds, ensuring the safety of assets and personnel,” ECHE’s Captain Gray explained.

“They are also designed to withstand explosive attacks, adding an extra layer of protection. The run-flat tyres allow the vehicles to keep moving even after punctures, ensuring continuous operation in critical situations. Advanced surveillance cameras provide complete situational awareness, while sophisticated communication systems enable seamless information exchange. Additionally, the vehicle tracking and management system offers real-time guidance and support to ECHE’s military-trained, elite TAP Squad, ensuring they remain prepared for any situation.”

Captain Gray said the ECHE team conducted a worldwide search for the ideal armoured vehicle for Jamaica.

“The local threat environment, terrain, road network, and traffic conditions were all considered, leading to the selection of these particular trucks, which are used globally for cash-in-transit, police SWAT units, and armoured life support ambulances,” he added.

Chang endorsed the company’s acquisition and use of the TAP vehicles.

“Jamaica has a pretty strong and large security sector, so this is really bringing competition. We have a number of very strong companies, but this will add to the marketplace and give the private sector involved in this kind of activity some level of assurance and access to quality security of cash-in-transit operations,” he stated.