POINTE BLANCHE--A security review of the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities was recently concluded by Mexico-based firm CEDEMAR and the highlights of the review and findings were given to Deputy Prime Minister/Harbour Affairs Minister Theo Heyliger, Justice Minister Roland Duncan, Security Committee representatives and members of the harbour's supervisory board on Friday.
The review was carried out ahead of the cruise and cargo facilities' re-certification for the International Ship and Port Facility Security ISPS Code. The primary goal was the identification and evaluation of the facilities' assets and potential security threats. The security plan was also reviewed and updates will be made to reflect the expanded area of the facilities, for example, the new cruise pier and the enlarged cargo sessions. While those areas are covered under the currently security plan, they are not specifically mentioned, because they did not exist until 2009.
St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies CEO Mark Mingo said the facilities' present certification runs out at the end of December and the aim is to have the complete dossier for re-certification submitted to government by December 15.
Harbour Group's Head of Security Max Phelipa highlighted problem areas, as he was also involved in the review process. The specifics of the security updates were not made public, as this would defeat the overall plan. More "new technology" will be employed to increase the security levels.
Government is responsible for the re-certification of the facilities, via the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication. In the past, this was the responsibility of the Government of the former Netherlands Antilles. Now, it is one of the new authorities handed over to the local government. A Security Committee, comprised of experts in the field, is an advisory body to Transportation Minister Franklin Meyers on these matters.
CEDEMAR Engineer Fernando Gaya and Captain Victor Loustaunau, outlining their findings, said the security of cruise and cargo facilities continued to be in good stead, but pointed out some potential problem areas such as the convergence of "gypsy taxis" at the entrance of the facilities and the harassment of cruise passengers in particular at Captain Hodge Wharf/Cyrus Wathey Square.
Justice Minister Duncan said he was aware of the situation at the harbour. This will hopefully be remedied by a permanent Police outpost in the area.
Expanding on the visitor harassment, the consultants polled cruisers arriving in Philipsburg about the onslaught of vendors, timeshare Off-Property Consultants (OPCs) and "barkers." The general feeling of the cruisers polled was one of being harassed, which led to a feeling of insecurity. The consultants also experienced the situation firsthand when they visited the area.
Another growing concern stems from people offering services as tour guides without the proper training or attached to one of the licensed taxi or tour companies. These people are not in uniform and offer their services by standing where there's a heavy influx of cruisers and other tourists with sign boards offering island and other tours.
The need for continued training of personnel about the ISPS Code with emphasis on the security personnel was emphasised. However, the two consultants recommended that all tenants, vendors and staff also be trained. That way, in the event of any emergency, everyone working at the harbour facilities can become part of the safety plan.
Many of the cruisers visiting St. Maarten are elderly and provision for them in any potential disaster or threat is paramount, as they would require the most assistance, Gaya said. "Your most important asset [in the event of a major security threat-Ed.] is your human resource."
Deputy Prime Minister Theo Heyliger took note of the concerns and urged the Harbour Group to also work with the Ministry of Transportation to ensure that the re-certification is completed on time. He said the concerns with the security issues in town would be seriously addressed as soon as possible.
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