Stephenson FOLLOWING THE September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States and major drug finds in transhipment cargo, the shipping industry has agreed to move to a Zero Tolerance Regime for certain aspects of security, on the Port of Kingston effective yesterday.
Users of the port met with the Port Authority of Jamaica appointed Security Committee last Thursday, to discuss the Zero Tolerance move, and to give their support for the initiative. The areas which will directly affect the general public include:-
100 per cent check of all IDs at the gates,
The public when clearing barrels must produce all relevant documentation as well as a picture ID
Drivers of vehicles entering the port to clear goods will be required to show their drivers licence at the entrance of the wharf/terminal
All IDs and visitor passes for designated areas must be visible at all times, if not individuals can be challenged by security and evicted
Minimising the number of private cars on the wharf/terminal
All vehicles which enter and leave the wharf/terminal are subject to search
Designated gears must be worn by appropriate personnel at all times while on the port premises
Enforcement of the 100 meters limit clear of the seaside of dock.
These measures are already enshrined in various security regulations and acts which were passed in the late 80s and early 90s. The Zero Tolerance regime will simply ensure their continuous enforcement.
The Security Committee which comprises representatives of shipping agents, wharf companies, security companies and the Port Authority is currently reviewing all security processes on the port, with a view to strengthening and tightening procedures where necessary. All aspects of security will be coming under scrutiny, and where possible, the use of technology, for example cameras, and underwater videos, will be mandated.
In addition, the meeting provided many useful recommendations to support this effort, particularly how to handle corruption and collusion at the workplace, along with the use of technology and the analysis of information already within the security systems.
Concern was raised by the users of the port, at the meeting, that while there are attempts to tighten access control and security generally, the police were still failing to arrest and convict any person, following the drug finds which have occurred on the Port of Kingston since the late 80s.
Speaking at the meeting, Committee Chairman, and President of the Shipping Association of Jamaica, Grantley Stephenson, noted that "It is better for the industry to police itself, and self impose security guidelines and measures which can be effectively policed and monitored, rather than having these imposed on it, from outside agencies, for example, US Customs".
In fact, a team from US Customs was on the port during this week, examining systems and procedures and updating themselves on the plans to tighten the security process.
Mr Stephenson noted that "the areas highlighted for Zero Tolerance do not require additional cost or resources, and should have been policed rigorously prior to September 11". "The Committee," he said, "is still pursuing its goals, and will be making periodic announcements from time to time, as is required."
