Protecting our nation’s ports

ON BEHALF of the Ministry of Transport and Mining, I extend heartiest congratulations to the Ports Security Corp Ltd (PSC) for accomplishing 30 years of service. You have done an excellent job of protecting our nation’s ports.

The PSC was incorporated in 1989 to safeguard all publicly owned ports and airports throughout Jamaica. Its primary function was to reduce trade in illicit goods through airports and seaports and to implement a programme for restricted access to these sensitive areas.

In 2016, PSC restructured and modernised its operations. Its security personnel now have the powers of arrest, detention, and search and are accorded a similar level of responsibility as other law-enforcement agents.

The PSC is now the sole entity authorised to operate and provide security in designated sensitive and restricted areas and zones at several aviation and maritime locations. This includes identified security zones in select ports of entry in accordance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code of the International Maritime Organization and Annex 17 (Security) of the Chicago Convention of the International Civil Aviation Organization.

The port security officers effectively and efficiently screen persons who access aircraft or restricted areas, the property in their possession or control, and the belongings or baggage that they give to an air carrier for transport. This is done under the guidance of the industry regulator, the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority.

The PSC has security responsibility for Jamaica’s three international airports, the Tinson Pen and Negril aerodromes, the Montego Bay Cruise Ship Pier, the Falmouth Cruise Ship Pier, Kingston Freeport Terminal, and the Kingston and Montego Bay free zones.

With its commitment and sincerity, the PSC has proven its worth and has gained much-deserved recognition. The PSC has reinforced its commitment to maintaining safe and secure ports and to strengthening border protection.

Once again, congratulations on reaching this significant milestone! I wish you success for many more years to come.

ROBERT MONTAGUE Minister of Transport and Mining

‘The PSC has security responsibility for Jamaica’s three international airports, the Tinson Pen and Negril aerodromes, the Montego Bay Cruise Ship Pier, Falmouth Cruise Ship Pier, the Kingston Freeport Terminal, and the Kingston and Montego Bay free zones.’