The Tribune

THE Ministry of Transport and Aviation has run an International Security Port workshop focusing on securing Bahamian ports of entry.

It was held at the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) base in Coral Harbour.

Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin said the ISPS code (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code) was introduced in 2004.

Last year there was a collaboration on the ISPS issue between the Bahamas and the United States, to see how both sides could strengthen the ISPS Port model in New Providence and in The Bahamas.

“We are an archipelagic nation, which is really one of the great blessings from God because we have populations from throughout this country, which are wonderful people, but it also brings some inherent challenges that we do not shirk from. We seek to stand upright and face them head on,” said Minister Hanna-Martin.

“One of them is ensuring the integrity of our ports and protecting the interests of our people because we may be small, in comparison to others, and in population geographically, and developing in our economic status, but we take very seriously, who we are, what we are, and where we are going,” she told the workshop.

“And so we want to ensure that our ports of entry are protected and the interests of our people are in no way compromised, that we have the highest standard, the greatest levels of efficiency, proficiency, professionalism, and integrity. And that the people who are responsible for this very important aspect of our national life are some of the most trusted individuals.”

Minister Hanna-Martin said the government is developing a legislative framework which will bring about a degree of accountability in the event there are violations or vulnerabilities, to be able to move swiftly, to send a strong message and to bring accountability.

“And so, this is an important exercise, we thank the Coast Guard again for collaborating with us. Our team is here. They understand the Bahamas better than anybody. And so, the collaboration between the United States and the Bahamas, we’ll be able to bring something that we believe is a custom fit for the Bahamas,” said Minister Hanna-Martin.

“In that custom fit, we know we have Prince George Dock, which is a commercial port that has multiple activities. Perhaps, very challenging in its construct, but nevertheless, we have to ensure that for an ISPS facility, it is unquestionably intact. We have ISPS port facilities that are public throughout the country and private throughout the country. And so we have a diverse spectrum of challenges.”

Minister Hanna-Martin said she is glad Customs and Immigration were present because they help to protect the ports, as the Defence Force helps to protect the borders.

“So, this is an important initiative, very important. I’m very pleased that we are making this quantum leap, in terms of cementing our port security in this country, in a way that causes us to bring about enforcement in a most distinctive and determined way, so this is critical, what we are doing here today,” said Minister Hanna-Martin.