Below we present a statement issued by the Port Authority of Jamaica on the status of security at the ports.
THE SECURITY measures recently implemented at the ports are of national security interest. Inherent in these security procedures are some delays due to public safety. The introduction of new technology and techniques has been highly effective, resulting in a decline in the amount of contraband found on the ports.
UNMANIFESTED GOODS
Drugs, unmanifested goods, including motor vehicles, guns and ammunition, were discovered in containers shortly after mobile non-intrusive cargo inspection units were put into operation on the ports.
There are five mobile non-intrusive cargo inspection units in operation: two at Kingston Wharves, two at APM Terminals and one at the Port of Montego Bay. One pallet inspection unit is now on a pilot project in Kingston.
The inspection procedures and the increased security are creating some delays in the processing of both containerised and breakbulk cargo.
The introduction of three additional pallet inspection units in Kingston and one in Montego Bay will reduce the delays that are now being experienced. Currently, it takes an average of 1.5 minutes to scan a container, while the time to scan a pallet of breakbulk cargo is two minutes.
The Port Authority of Jamaica is also working with managers and security personnel on the ports and has invited an international logistics expert from the manufacturer of the equipment to examine ways of reducing delays without compromising security or creating any negative impact on the inspection process.
