Controversy is raging over two stories concerning the Marine Police. It should be said at the outset that the Marine Police generally do a good job, often in difficult circumstances.

But reports that officers either have not been trained in CPR and that their CPR accreditation has lapsed, is concerning, given the strong likelihood that they will be called on to assist in medical emergencies at sea. The public deserves straight answers on this.

Secondly, the fact that the Guardian, which cost the taxpayer $1.7 million, was hauled out of the water before Hurricane Bill is mind-boggling.

This vessel has been a white elephant from the moment it was bought. It is not fit for its role and its size means that the small Marine Police service cannot crew it properly. And now it is taken out of the water before a storm. Does this make any sense?

The late US Senator William Proxmire used to hand out "Golden Fleece" awards for the best – or worst – examples of Government waste. The Guardian would be a worthy recipient.