WITH THE war on Iraq escalating, and terrorism a major threat worldwide, the shipping industry refocuses its attention on Security, to ensure that there is no obstacle to international trade and the safe passage of goods throughout the island's ports.
Jamaica has always been at the forefront of ensuring tight security at seaports from as far back as the 1980s when the first barrage of drug contamination of legitimate cargo occurred on the Kirk Line and Evergreen vessels. It was through the instrumentality of Jamaica, and the work undertaken by the Shipping Association of Jamaica's Managing Committee that the Maritime Security Council formally got underway with its inaugural meeting being held in Kingston during 1989.
This body is now an internationally recognised organisation pulling support from major Maritime entities such as BIMCO in Europe and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). It has close ties with US Homeland Security and Customs and provides useful information to members. The SAJ and Port Authority of Jamaica as well as Security Administrators Limited (SAL), are members of this body.
Post 9/11, the Port Authority and SAJ combined forces to evaluate and enhance the security operations at the island's Ports, starting with the Port of Kingston. A Special Security Committee was formed, under the Chairmanship of the then President of the SAJ, Grantley Stephenson.
This Committee pioneered a thorough review of access control at the Port and implemented new measures to tighten entrance and exit points. In addition, a Security Plan for the Port of Kingston was developed along with a
Security Manual that also covered Emergency Disaster and Safety procedures.
Recommendations for the further use of technology to tighten security, including CCTV and Xray machines were also made by this Committee, which has also called for the establishment of a Seaports Advisory Council which would be responsible for the Security certification of all ports in the island based on prescribed security guidelines. The Port Authority has agreed to the establishment of this Council and is working towards its establishment.
Members of the Special Security Committee also include Patrick Burgess, Roger Hinds, Harry Maragh, Jorgen Palmbak, Dave Anderson, David Hall, John Ulett and Pauline Gray. As Security issues take on added significance with the war, this committee will be refocusing its attention not only on the Port of Kingston but also on the other Ports in the island.
