By Erica James-King, Senior Staff Reporter
Pickersgill
WESTERN BUREAU:
THE ISLAND'S ports, which have been fighting the twin evils of drug smuggling and fears by crusie ship passengers over terrorist attacks since the September 11 bombing, are to benefit from tighter security measures that have a multi-billion dollar price tag.
Jamaica's improved security strategies are also aimed at satisfying requirements for the impending certification of ports, under the United States Ports Security Regulations.
Transport Minister Robert Pickersgill has announced that his ministry will be expending $1-billion on port security measures.
Outlining the logistics of the impending security measures, Minister Pickersgill notes that "X-ray machines are being acquired under the capital budget of the Port Authority of Jamaica for inspection of cargo at the island's two international ports."
The introduction of the x-ray machine for scrutinising import and export cargo, is one of the requirements for certification of any port involved in maritime transport with the United States.
Two other prongs of the security plan will entail the use of a Security and Safety Manual at the ports and the implementation of closed circuit television. Also in place is a special Security Committee appointed by the Port Authority of Jamaica.
The Shipping Association of Jamaica(SAJ) has announced that a novel move by the Security Committee is that, it has already developed a detailed plan of action for the ports in Kingston, Montego Bay and the other minor ports in the island.
Grantley Stephenson, president of the SAJ is underscoring the need for comprehensive and collaborative solutions by several sectors, to tackle the challenges presented by the contraband trade in drugs and guns, to the shipping industry. Against this background, the Shipping Association and the Port Authority of Jamaica are finalizing a draft Security and Safety Manual.
Explaining that the draft is almost complete, the SAJ boss announces that in early September a special workshop will be held to inform the public and shipping interests on the implications of the manual, as well as get a feedback from the public on the document.
Mr. Stephenson is pointing to the need for stronger dialogue with all Port Communities across Jamaica, so that a cohesive approach can be found to solving problems facing the industry, including increased competition , flattening domestic cargo tonnage, high transaction costs and the need to develop a multi-skilled workforce.
Meanwhile, development projects are also taking place at the Kingston Transshipment Port and at Port Antonio's West Harbour.
The measures are seen by the Transport Ministry, as "an integral part of the thrust toward the development of Jamaica as a Shipping Centre."
