Howard Walker, Staff Reporter
JAMAICA IS on course to meet a July 1 deadline for the upgrading of its port security facilities in accordance with new international security measures against terrorism, says James Forbes, vice president of security at the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ).
The Government is spending $6 billion (US$100 million), according to Mr. Forbes, to meet the deadline which if not met, raises the likelihood of the country being blacklisted by the United States.
"The country would be blacklisted because the new regulations dictate that if a ship visits a port that is contaminated that ship will have difficulties doing business with the U.S.," Mr. Forbes told The Sunday Gleaner.
Jamaica has already acquired 11 X-ray units five pallet units to X-ray bulk cargo and six to examine containers.
Twenty U.S. customs officers are already in the island working with 14 local customs officer to operate these machines.
Some of the major users of the ports like Walkerswood Caribbean Foods Limited (WCFL) have pointed out that Jamaica cannot afford not to be certified regardless of how much it will cost.
Denyse Perkins, production export manager, said it will make shipping much easier: "Our greatest fear is contamination of our products with contraband. Exporters need to fall in line with the new security measures. Where terrorism is concerned we can't blame the U.S."
This is a point supported by the PAJ. William Tatham, the PAJ's vice president of cruise shipping and marina operations, said from a cruise-shipping standpoint "we are pleased with the progress being made."
He said it is very important that Jamaica meet the criteria because any ship calling on a port that has not met the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) or U.S. Government criteria, may be restricted from re-entering their waters.
"If a ship comes from Miami and visits several ports, if one of those ports is not up to scratch, that vessel will be banned from re-entering Miami," said Mr. Tatham.
The Jamaica Manufacturers Association (JMA) welcomes the new security measures at the ports but said it was costing exporters more to ensure that their goods are safe.
"It is very expensive but it makes it easier for us. There is a vast improvement at Customs and these equipment will make it more efficient," said Doreen Frankson, JMA president .
Under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS), all 163 member countries will be sensitised to the new port facility measures to establish an international framework involving co-operation between contracting governments, government agencies, local administrations and shipping and port industries.
"Many people think of trade mainly in terms of cargo but cruise shipping represents an important part of our trade as our guests come to enjoy our hospitality," said Robert Pickersgill, Minister of Transport and Works, while addressing the maritime security seminar at the Knutsford Court Hotel recently. "We are all aware of the very high profile being accorded security of air and seaport by our neighbour and major trading partner to the north, since the tragic events in the United States of America on September 11, 2001."
Mr. Pickersgill said in order to be compliant specific targets have been set and the security system has been designed to:
Prevent and detect trafficking in illegal drugs, contraband and illegal weapons and ammunition To detect nuclear, biological and chemical explosives. Detect and prevent stowaways. Ensure the security and safety of crew, passengers and vessels. Achieve revenue enhancement/recovery and prevent trade fraud. Enhance operational efficiency of the security systems and port operations. According to Mr. Pickersgill, the security measures that are being put in place are already having a significant impact on drug trafficking and the trade in illegal weapons.
"I hardly think I can overstate the importance of such programmes to the country," he added.
