KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s Transport and Works Minister, Mike Henry, has said the government intended to fully develop the island’s air and seaport operations, as they were essential to the country’s national and economic development.
“The air and seaport operations of Jamaica have played an integral part in the life of this country, and indeed an important part in national economic development. I am going to make sure that they take pride of place even beyond where they are now, in recognition of their importance to the country’s economic development,” Mr. Henry said.
The Minister was speaking at the Ports Security Corps graduation ceremony for some 34 graduates, in downtown Kingston last Friday (December 21).
He pointed to the future expansion of the Kingston and Falmouth ports, the expansion of the Norman Manley International Airport and the development of the Vernamfield Airport, as indicators that the government was serious in its commitment.
Mr. Henry told the graduates that as the government continued to spend billions to develop the country’s air and seaports, their jobs as security personnel would become increasingly important.
As such, the Minister charged the graduates to take their jobs seriously and work hard to ensure that the island’s airports and seaports were not compromised. “With security being almost totally accepted as the main national challenge today – air, sea and on land – we have to ensure that the ports are secured,” the Minister stressed.
Acting Manager/Director, Ports Security Corps Limited, Lincoln Whyte, in his remarks, urged the graduates not to compromise their integrity as the guardians of the county’s ports. “Do not allow yourself to be easily influenced. I am imploring you to be designators and conduct yourselves as the guardians of the Jamaican ports. All the Corps is asking of you, while you are at the different ports, is for your commitment, your professionalism and your competence. There is a lot of temptation out there but you are placed in a position of trust, don’t disregard it for a few dollars or possible prison term,” he urged.
The 34 graduates who participated in the four-week training course were exposed to various subjects, including the origin and development of security, workplace violence, prevention and intervention, inspection, access control, arrest procedures, statement and report writing, diplomatic immunity, preparing court cases, court procedures and cargo container inspections, recognition of explosive devices and handling of hazardous material.
