A specialized seminar focusing on port security kicked off on Monday, aiming to train numerous coast guard and law enforcement officers in advanced techniques for port surveys and shoreline protection. The week-long seminar is a joint initiative by the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and DIRECTEMAR Chile, taking place at the Coast Guard Training Centre in Kingston, Georgetown.
At the inaugural event, Captain Stephen Thomas, MARAD’s Director General, underscored the imperative nature of port security for Guyana, emphasizing the need to arm professionals with cutting-edge skills. “While enhancing infrastructure like cameras, fences, and other hardware is vital, the crux of our efforts lies in having a well-trained port security workforce,” said Captain Thomas.
Delineating Guyana’s dependence on maritime trade, Captain Thomas highlighted that around 90% of the country’s trade occurs via ships. “As Guyana fosters diplomatic relationships and trade widens, ensuring the safety of our ports becomes paramount for our nation’s economic and overall well-being,” he remarked.
Echoing these sentiments, Chile’s Captain Pablo Ferrada spoke about the seminar’s significance, not only for skill enhancement but also as a means to fortify ties between Guyana and Chile. “This seminar paves the way for mutual learning and knowledge exchange, ultimately bolstering our capacities in port security. My aspiration is that through productive discussions, we can jointly pinpoint and tackle challenges plaguing our domain,” emphasized Captain Ferrada.
This event is a notable segment of the World Maritime Week, commemorated under the banner ‘Marpol at 50.’ (Modified from the Department of Public Information).
