The following is the statement in its entirety, which was issued by the Shipping Association of Jamaica to the media on Wednesday February 14, 2001.
"The Shipping Association of Jamaica publicly condemns the recent drug trafficking attempts at Port Bustamante where millions of dollars worth of marijuana and other illegal substances were found in containers on two separate occasions.
All Jamaicans should know that if these narcotic shipments were discovered overseas, it would have had devastating effects on our shipping and export industries, and serious economic implications for the country. The Shipping Association of Jamaica commends the parties responsible for detecting these shipments.
The issue of illicit drugs being smuggled through our ports has always been a serious concern of the Association and the wider shipping community. It is a struggle in which we have been involved for several years.
It is important to note that a significant amount of Jamaica'
s foreign exchange earnings is from transhipment cargo, the very cargo in which the drugs were found. Shipping lines will not continue to use a port with a history of cargo being contaminated by illegal substances.
Drug trafficking through Port Bustamante or any other point in Jamaica cannot continue, as it not only tarnishes our integrity as a safe transhipment port, but it also impacts on the wider perception of Jamaica as a whole.
It threatens our ability to earn foreign exchange and jeopardises the livelihood of hundreds of workers in the shipping industry.
The Association is also very concerned that the drug trafficking cycle is becoming more widespread and corruption and collusion seem to be permeating the preventative measures that have been put in place.
This issue cannot be seen only as a "shipping industry" problem. It must be recognised as a national problem and treated accordingly. Every Jamaican has to give full support to the authorities in addressing this dilemma and, as a deterrent, the perpetrators must be brought to justice. The Shipping Association of Jamaica stands committed to work with the authorities to tackle this problem.
The Shipping Association of Jamaica remains undaunted in our efforts and will continue to strive to maintain the integrity of cargo and vessels leaving local ports".
