Regional workshop on maritime security, port facility security and customs coordination held in Dominica

Caribbean News Now
Mervin Matthew
August 10, 2011

ROSEAU, Dominica (GIS) -- A three day regional workshop on maritime security, port facility security and customs coordination ended in Dominica last week. The programme was funded by the Canadian government in collaboration with the Organization of American States (OAS).

The workshop was attended by representatives from Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Haiti, Suriname, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and St Kitts.

Mike Brown, who represented the US Coast Guard at the workshop, explained, “Port security, maritime security, the threat of terrorism is an international problem and it requires an international solution. It is only by working together through workshops such as these that we can ultimately be successful.”

Canadian Coast Guard representative, Ray Clarke, recognised that there are major challenges relating to the efficient management of port security worldwide. He is optimistic that these can be resolved if it is approached collectively.

“Terrorists’ threats are constantly evolving and threatening the maritime sector which is so vital to the economies in the Americas. In Canada and likely in many of your countries, responsibility for maritime security falls within the mandates and jurisdictions of many different departments and agencies. Therefore, it is critically important to establish robust security partnerships through the collaborative efforts of dedicated individuals such as yourselves to help achieve marine security goals and unity of effort. These relationships must be based on clear roles and responsibilities and a shared commitment to strengthening maritime security,” he said.

Dominica’s Minister for Public Works, Energy and Ports, Rayburn Blackmoore, stressed the importance of all regional and international governments and agencies to adopt the required international standards and best practices related to the management of port security.

“The maritime sector makes a very significant contribution to all the economies in the region and by extension, the world. But if we have to continue to do business in that sector, we are obligated to adhere to international best practices,” he said.

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