THE United States (US) Embassy in Georgetown has completed for Guyanese port security workers and sea cadets a training programme on the intricacies of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code). 

The three-day class, completed last week, consisted of 43 students, including ten Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) cadets. It focused on international security regulations, and helped build relationships between port employees, Guyanese Government agencies, and the U.S. Coast Guard.

This was the fifth course in a series of training programmes designed to enhance port security.
The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) outlines responsibilities of governments, shipping companies, shipboard and port/facility personnel to identify security threats and take preventative measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities used in international trade.

The programme was funded through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI). It is expected to help strengthen capacity and provide practical skills to relevant security officials working in the critically important area of port security.

Through such CBSI partnerships, the United States and Guyana seek to enhance their bilateral security relationship to create a partnership to combat transnational crime, develop strong security institutions in Guyana, and advance the safety and security of the citizens of Guyana.

(US Embassy release)