Cruise Ship berth gets x-ray scanner

Security at the Cruise Ship Terminal has been stepped up thanks to the installation and commissioning of a US$155,000 Hi-Scan Electronic X-Ray Inspector Scanner Unit by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority.{{more}}

The new system was unveiled to the public at a special ceremony on Wednesday, October 6.

The Unit was purchased from Secure Solutions of Canada and will be fully operational by October 19 – the start of the Cruise Ship season.

The machine increases the terminal’s capacity to allow for a 100 percent x-ray and scanning of persons, luggages and any other articles.

At the brief ceremony, Manager of Human Resource and Corporate Affairs at the Port Authority, Charmane Tappin-John, said the organisation is committed to enhancing and securing the facilities under its control. These, she said, include the cruise ship and ferry terminals and waterfront.

Tappin-John said ports are not always given notice for inspection and as a result of that it must be ready at all times when it is called upon to do so. “We cannot be complacent with security at the port…we must therefore spare no opportunity to upgrade and protect our port before the coming of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO),” she said.

Seven Port Police Officers underwent training in the use of the scanner on Thursday, October 7. Further training on the overall security of the cruise ship facility will be done in preparation for the up coming cruise season.

Delivering remarks, Chairman of the Port Authority, Edwin Snagg, underscored the importance of security and safety at the port. He said efforts must be placed to ensure that persons using the port facilities feel safe at all times.

“It is a wise and expensive investment and the training of the Port Police will ensure the full functioning of the scanner,” Snagg noted.