THE THRUST towards improving security at the islands' ports will receive a major boost, with the planned acquisition of six Vehicle and Cargo Inspection System (VACIS) X-ray machines.
Minister of Transport and Works, Robert Pickersgill, in his contribution to the 2002/03 Sectoral Debate in the House, last Wednesday (July 17), announced that Cabinet had approved the purchase, with the overall cost amounting to some US$10.8 million.
Pointing out that the United States Embassy and Customs personnel were involved in the consultation process, prior to the purchase, the Minister noted that the utilisation of such equipment is one of the conditions for the certification of ports involved in maritime transport with the United States.
Noting that the equipment will be used to inspect import and export cargo at the island's two international seaports, Minister Pickersgill stated that they would enhance the "detection of contraband, drugs and illegal weapons."
He added that the concerns about narco trafficking, importation of illegal firearms and violent crimes locally, as well as the heightened security alert internationally following the 9/11 attacks in the US, had necessitated that "security at our ports be a primary focus".
The Minister also gave an update on Port Security Corps, the government agency responsible for providing security at the seaports, airports and tourist resort areas.
He said the agency's work to curb drug trafficking had helped to maintain Jamaica's trading relationship with North America, noting that the Corps' personnel would play an integral role in the use of the machinery to detect contraband.
The Minister reported that the Corps' 1,762 officers were deployed at 17 locations, including the Kingston Container Terminal and the Kingston and Montego Bay Freezones, and last year, they made 511 arrests and prosecutions for various offences relating to possession of narcotics, among others. Mr. Pickersgill also noted the continued thrust to train personnel, with nearly 500 officers benefiting from specialist courses last year.
"The ingenuity displayed by drug traffickers and the events of 9/11 suggest that the services of the Corps will continue to complement the work of our primary law enforcement agency and will continue to be an integral part of infrastructure", the Minister stated.
