Embassy Events

International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Symposium

August 22, 2007

The Bahamas Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Labour in collaboration with the U.S. Southern Command hosted a two-day International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) symposium August 22-24 at the Royal Bahamas Police Force Headquarters’ Conference Center.  Under the theme, “Remaining focused on the mission: Safe and secure ports,” the symposium brought together representatives from the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Royal Bahamas Defense Force, Bahamas Customs, Bahamas Immigration, representatives from U.S. Southern Command and the Turks Island Royal Police Force.  Chargé d’Affaires Brent Hardt and the Minister for Maritime Affairs and Labour, Senator Dion Foulkes gave remarks at the official opening held on Wednesday, August 22.

While addressing the participants, Chargè Hardt noted, “One thing tourists should not have to worry about is the security of their ship or the dock where it is berthed.  Thanks to the work of all of you here today, and of your counterparts around the world, maritime travel and commerce today has remained safe from both accidents and deliberate attack”.  He went on to add: “While the ISPS Code has specific requirements, the U.S. government and the U.S. Coast Guard fully respect that partner nations and ports will implement their own innovative and useful practices to meet security requirements.  It goes without saying that we are interested in how partner nations choose to address the critical issues of access control, restricted areas, handling of cargo, delivery of supplies, and security issues such as monitoring, policies and procedures and training.”

Minister Foulkes focused on the need for continued regional cooperation and the sharing information and technology in this age of terrorist threats.  He pointed out the vulnerability of protecting The Bahamas as the archipelago is spread over 100,000 square miles with twenty-four port facilities on four islands.  He stated, “I wish to remind each of you that you are on the frontlines of a new global struggle and as such, are responsible for the safety and security of both visitors to, and residents of The Bahamas.”  Minister Foulkes further noted his hope that the delegates through dialogue will develop new ideas to assist with the implementation of security measures and be better equipped to reduce vulnerabilities at ports throughout The Bahamas.

This marked the fourth consecutive year the U.S. Embassy co-sponsored the symposium with The Bahamas Port Authority.  The two-day conclave covered topics such as intelligence, crime, the role of customs and immigration, terrorism issues and the challenges faced by cruise passengers.

(Click here for complete text by Charge d'Affaires Brent Hardt)

Caption:  Photo shows Chargè d’Affaires Dr. Brent Hardt addressing some of the participants at the opening of the ISPS symposium held at the Royal Bahamas Police Force Headquarters.