Canadian high-tech aid for better border security
Guyana Chronicle
January 26, 2007
THE Government of Canada yesterday announced that beginning this month, through the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), it will be providing ion-mobility spectrometry (IMS) technology, and related training to Customs officials in Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, and St Vincent & the Grenadines.
The Canadian High Commission here said this latest partnership between Canada and the six Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries is aimed at enhancing border security in advance of Cricket World Cup 2007.
The equipment, it said, will be deployed to high risk and high volume ports of entry over a six-week period.
Training will be provided to about 120 Customs officials on the use and maintenance of the technology as well as on the identification of narcotics and explosives and response procedures, the High Commission said.
“The provision of this technology represents a further Canadian contribution to safety and security in the Caribbean region,” said High Commissioner of Canada to Guyana, Mr. Charles Court. “Preparations for the Cricket World Cup have offered a significant opportunity to strengthen our bilateral cooperation. Canada will continue to seek ways to promote a comprehensive approach to enhancing security in Guyana and the region."
The High Commission said the IMS technology will assist Customs officials in conducting fast, effective, non-intrusive inspections of high-risk travellers, conveyances and commercial shipments.
Canada, it said, has been using this type of technology since 1995 resulting in numerous drug seizures. The technology has been in use since 2006 for explosives, it added.
The CBSA, a part of the Public Safety portfolio, has been a strong supporter and technical assistance provider for Caribbean Customs administrations, the High Commission said.