Narcotics, explosives trace detection technology to be installed for CWC
• Canada to provide equipment, training
Kaieteur News
January 26, 2007
Security at Guyana 's ports of entry for Cricket World Cup (CWC) is expected to be boosted with special technology to trace and detect narcotics and explosives.
The Canadian Government is to provide the equipment, along with training as part of a partnership between Canada and six of the nine CWC host nations, which is aimed at enhancing border security in preparation for the mega-event.
The Canadian Embassy here said yesterday that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) 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 .
According to the Embassy, the IMS technology will assist Customs officials in conducting fast, effective, non-intrusive inspections of high-risk travelers, conveyances and commercial shipments.
Canada has been using this type of technology since 1995 resulting in numerous drug seizures.
The technology has been in use since 2006 for explosives, the Embassy stated.
The equipment is expected to be deployed to high risk and high volume ports of entry in the six nations over a six-week period.
Kaieteur News understands that Guyana is listed as the final stop for the Canadian team, which is expected to commence the training exercise and the handing over of special equipment in St. Lucia .
According to an Embassy official, the team will then travel to Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada and Guyana, in that order.
Training will be provided to approximately 120 Customs officials on the use and maintenance of the technology as well as on the identification of narcotics and explosives and response procedures.
Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana , His Excellency Charles Court said that the provision of the technology represents a further contribution by Canada to safety and security in the Caribbean region.
“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,” Court stated.
In December last, Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Slowe, who is responsible for coordinating the local security arrangements, noted that Guyana will be seeking specialist assistance in counter-terrorism.
• Slowe had stated that while Guyana may not need foreign security assistance to police the stadium, the country may need specialist assistance with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear capabilities.