Works and Transport Minister Franklin Khan revealed that Government had been told by the United States that any ship which berths at a port which does not have the required level of security will not be allowed to enter the United States, effectively ending trade between the two countries unless the standard is met.
Upgrade security at portsBy Curtis Williams
Works and Transport Minister Franklin Khan revealed that Government had been told by the United States that any ship which berths at a port which does not have the required level of security will not be allowed to enter the United States, effectively ending trade between the two countries unless the standard is met.
This is yet another fallout from the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the US and efforts by that country's Department of Homeland Security to reduce its vulnerability to further attacks.
Khan said it will be costly to implement the levels of security demanded by the US but that government had little choice. He said it would also be up to several energy sector companies like bpTT, Atlantic LNG and Petrotrin to follow suit.
As a result the Works and Transport Minister said a note will be taken to cabinet on Thursday for approval to increase security.
He said at the Port of Port of Spain alone it would cost and additional $20 million in both increased security personnel and equipment.
Khan said: "I don't want to go into details but we will have to purchase equipment like container scanners and have more security personnel. It will not be cheap but we will have to do it since we are talking about 14 ports of entry."
The Works and Transport Minister said the increased security demanded by the US Government was similar to the "security cycle" which the country's airports went through last year.
Energy sector companies told the Express that they will be willing to comply with further security measures if the Government demands it of them.
They, however, argue that due to the very nature of their business they already have strong security but would increase it if necessary.
Petrotrin's corporate communications department acknowledged that it has been asked by the Government to ensure that its security is at the level required by the US and it is taking steps to meet it.
Both Government and the energy sector companies say they will be ready by the July deadline.
Khan said yesterday he was satisfied that the nation's airports were safe. He said the US government and Homeland Security had given Trinidad and Tobago high marks for security at the airports.
In addition, he said, Police Commissioner Everald Snaggs and the Director of Civil Aviation are expected to meet to determine the best way to put together and train a team of air marshals who will travel aboard planes flying to the US.
