…with US$8,000 donation of electronics to MARAD

U.S AMBASSADOR Perry Holloway has handed over close to US $8,000 in electronics and associated supplies to the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), for the implementation of a port security identification card programme.
The electronics and associated supplies were handed over to Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, in the presence of Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson, and MARAD Director General Claudette Rogers, at MARAD’s Battery Road office.

Ambassador Holloway said the establishment of a port security identification card programme would complement the marked improvements made by MARAD, with technical support from the US.

“In August 2014, after five capacity-building events and four-quarterly facility visits by U.S. experts, including the U.S Coast Guard, Guyana made a significant improvement in its overall port security performance score, increasing its performance to a score of 84 per cent compliance in just one year, up from the previous score of 58 per cent compliance,” Ambassador Holloway explained.

To facilitate those capacity-building events and visits, the U.S invested well over US $100,000, and the US Ambassador said he is pleased with the results, as he offered commendation to MARAD’s staff for capitalising on the opportunity. He said without their dedication, Guyana would not have been able to achieve such a dramatic improvement in its port security performance.
The port security identification card programme will add to the existing system, the US Ambassador reiterated.

“This ID card programme will allow MARAD to have greater governmental oversight on who is allowed access to the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code compliant facilities in Guyana. Once the equipment is installed, Guyana will have a port facility identification card programme similar to that used in the United States,” Ambassador Holloway explained.

The system is being implemented at a time when Guyana is gearing up for its first oil production in 2020 –a move which is expected to increase traffic at ports, not only as a result of the Oil and Gas Sector, but other industries that would benefit. But whether it’s Oil and Gas or the rice industry, Ambassador Holloway said that the ID card programme will give MARAD a better oversight.

“…I am sure with this equipment and continued training, along with the commitment of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Guyana will continue to improve its performance scores and the people of Guyana will benefit,” he posited.
Ambassador Holloway said the U.S remains committed to Guyana and will continue to work with the Guyanese Government to make the country a more secure, prosperous, and inclusive place for all Guyanese.

Minister Patterson, while expressing gratitude to the US Government for its timely assistance, explained that Guyana adopted the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code in 2004 as a result of the terrorist attack in 2001.
Since then MARAD, which has responsibility for the implementation of the code, has been taking critical steps to improve security standards at various port facility.
“In 2014 a team from the Maritime Administration Department paid a reciprocal visit to the US Coast Guard in Louisiana where they benefitted from the US Transportation Workers Identification Card system called TWIC, and held discussions as to how the Maritime Administration can implement such a system at the port facility,” Minister Patterson explained.

He noted that the card which will be used by port facilities in Guyana will be known as Port Security Access Card (PSAC).
Alluding to the machine donated by the US Embassy, the public infrastructure minister further explained that it will be used to produce the identification cards for employees working at port facilities and reduce the security checks for other stakeholders who frequent the port facilities.
“The card will also improve the security standards at port facilities in terms of access control,” he added.

Persons desirous of becoming a Port Security Officer will be required to complete four modules of raining – ISPS Security, First AID, Security Communication and Skill at Arms.
It is expected that MARAD will conduct awareness programmes with owners and operations of the various port facilities before implementation.