Speeches & Op-Eds
Container Security Initiative Signing Ceremony
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
August 4, 2006
The Container Security Initiative (CSI) represents another example of the close ties between the United States and The Bahamas, and our expanding cooperation against terrorism. CSI is designed to prevent global maritime cargo from being exploited by terrorists intent on inflicting harm in America and other nations of the world. Under CSI, officers from Customs and Border Protection, (CBP) Immigration and Customs Enforcement are stationed at key seaports to work with host governments to identify high-risk shipments bound for the U.S. and examine these shipments prior to loading.
The Freeport Container Port is the 44th port worldwide to join CSI. CSI will strengthen the already strong economic ties between our two countries. It facilitates the free flow of goods from The Bahamas to the U.S. Containers screened in Freeport will quickly enter the stream of commerce in the United States, providing incentives for shippers to use Freeport as a transshipment point to the U.S.
CSI is another way the U.S. and The Bahamas cooperate in the fight against terrorism. Terrorism experts consistently note the vulnerability of ports worldwide to terrorists seeking to smuggle weapons of mass destruction. Together with the recently enacted Megaports Agreement, CSI serves as a deterrent to terrorist organizations that may seek to target the Freeport Container Port. They know that containers traveling through Freeport will be screened providing protection to both of our countries.
CSI in Freeport reflects the United States' commitment to Grand Bahama. The last two hurricane seasons were particularly difficult for Grand Bahama and I hope that the addition of the Freeport Container Port to CSI will serve to attract more commerce and jobs to Grand Bahama.
The government of the United States is proud of our cooperation with the government of The Bahamas in our joint fight to keep criminal organizations and illicit cargo off of our streets.