Port Security in Saint Lucia: Achievements, Challenges, and Future Plans

1. Inter-American Committee on PortsThird Hemispheric Conference on Port Security Current state of Port Security in Saint Lucia

2. Agenda • Introduction • Description of the principle methods adopted to implement international standards of port security • Role of institutions identified in the process of implementing these standards • Principle goals reached at the national level

3. Agenda • Improvement indicators • Principle obstacles encountered • Short and medium term plans to overcome obstacles and improve indicators

4. Introduction • The Government of Saint Lucia by Cabinet Conclusion No. 50 of 2004, officially appointed the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, the Designated Authority for implementation of the ISPS Code with respect to Port Facilities in Saint Lucia. • A unit was created within the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force – charged with these responsibilities. The Head of this unit (Head of Designated Authority) reports directly to the Commissioner of Police and the Prime Minister, whose Portfolio encompasses National Security.

5. Introduction • The Division of Maritime Affairs is responsible for all aspects of Ships under the ISPS Code and reports to the Minister responsible for Communication, Works and Transport and Public Utilities. • Principal Compliant Ports in Saint Lucia • Port Castries • Port Vieux Fort • Hess Oils Saint Lucia Limited

6. Introduction Table 1: Port Management Structure of Principal Complaint Ports Source: Alderton, P., 2005, p. 94

7. Introduction • Governmental entities responsible for implementing International Port Security Standards • Department of Customs and Excise • Saint Lucia Air and Sea Port Authority • Immigration Department • Designated Authority • Division of Maritime Affairs • Private entities • Private Security Firms (Elite, Sentinel, and Global)

8. Principle methods adopted to implement international standards of port security • Legal instruments • Enactment of the Shipping (Ship and Port Facility Security) Regulations No. 49 of 2004. • SLASPA Act and Regulations Chpt. 8.13 of the Revised Laws of Saint Lucia, 2001 • Power Craft Act • Shipping Act No. 11 of 1994

9. Principle methods adopted to implement international standards of port security • Administrative Instruments • Approved Port Security Plans • Standard Operation Procedures for business operators at a Port Facility • Contingency Plan (RSLPF/ SLASPA) • Port Facility Security Master Plan- (Draft)

10. Role of institutions identified in the process of implementing these standards • Designated Authority • Approval of Port Facility Security Plan • Setting the applicable Security Levels • Exercising Control and Compliance Measures • Division of Maritime Affairs: • Approving the Ship Security Plan • Verifying Compliance of Vessels • Issuing to ships the International Ship Security Certification

11. Role of institutions identified in the process of implementing these standards • Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) • Development of Port Facility Security Plan • Development of Port Emergency Action Plan • Establishment of MOUs with international law enforcement and intelligence agencies • Saint Lucia Customs and Excise Department: • Regularly review the facilitation and enforcement of security procedures • Assist the SLASPA in exercising effective control over restricted areas • In emergency situations assist in the supervision of cargo and passengers

12. Principle goals reached at the national level • Formation of a National Advisory Committee • Systematic execution of two full scale exercises • Onboard a cruise vessel • At a port facility • Establishment of Perimeter Security Rings at principal ports • Attainment of 3rd Verification Endorsement for Port of Compliance of principal ports.

13. Improvement Indicators • Increased monitoring and surveillance capabilities viz; CCTV at every Port Facility • Improved water based security viz; armed port security personnel on security craft (Only at Principle Port Facilities) • Increased security awareness of port personnel viz; training and educational campaigns • Enhanced co-operation and integration of efforts by lead enforcement and response agencies(Achieved via regular drills and exercises with Customs, Fire Department, Health Services, Police, and Private Security Firms) • Computer-based key management system (Not all ports)

14. Principle obstacles encountered • Local Culture/Custom • Limited Financial Resources • Geographical Location – (Port Castries) • Empowering Legislations/Review of Existing Legislations • Non Orientation Towards Maritime Security by Government Administrations

15. Short and medium term plans to overcome obstacles and improve indicators • Local Culture/Custom – continuation of public awareness and educational campaigns • Limited Financial Resources – consideration is being given to the possible implementation of a cargo security charge to be levied on all shipping lines. • Geographical Location – Currently exploring the possibilities of converting Port Castries from a multi-user port to a dedicated cruise facility. A new container port may necessarily have to be built to achieve this initiative.

16. Short and medium term plans to overcome obstacles and improve indicators • Empowering Legislations/Review of Existing Legislations – • Establish a time frame within which the Terrorism Act, which is still in draft stage, can be made into law; • Act upon recommendations that has been submitted to amend the SLASPA Act of 1983 and the Seaport Regulations of 1985. • Non Orientation Towards Maritime Security by Government Administrations – Key agencies to lobby Cabinet of Ministers.

17. Thank youAny Questions?