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| Assistant Comptroller of Customs Charleton Edwards |
Basseterre, St. Kitts (February 16, 2007): The Customs and Excise Department received three articles of equipment which will enhance border security efforts at ports of entry and exit on St. Kitts and Nevis.
Earlier this week, a mobile metal scanner, four hand held metal scanners and an Itemizer 3 were acquired to compliment the existing tools used by the security officials. The department's Executive Officer Kennedy DeSilva explained how the mobile machine works.
"Essentially it is comprised in three sections: the top, the center and the bottom," he disclosed. "You can individually adjust the sensitivity of the machine, depending on what profile you are looking at, and take it anywhere to use, as it sets up in five to ten minutes."
Before passing through the mobile scanner, persons will be asked to remove all metals. If the alarm is triggered, the customs official will be able to pinpoint the general area of the body. The person will be asked to step aside and get scanned with a hand held machine. ~~adz:Right~~
The Itemizer 3 is a device which detects residue of drugs or explosives. It was donated to the Federation by the Canadian government. Officials from Canada came to St. Kitts and Nevis to train local law enforcement officers on the proper usage of the high tech equipment.
Christopher Williams, of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) told the Toronto Sun Newspaper that the training, provided to customs, immigration, police, defence and coast guard officers in the Caribbean, is part of a plan by Canada to help developing countries with anti-terrorism.
Assistant Comptroller of Customs Charleton Edwards told SKNIS that this donation will effectively boost the operations of his department.
"With the introduction of the new technology, passengers will be processed faster, our down time will be reduced and, of course, our officers will be more efficient, more productive and at the same time detect any type of illegal substances that is being imported into the country," he said.
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| The Itemizer 3 is a device which detects residue of drugs or explosives. |
Mr. Edwards added that the Itemizer 3 along with the new scanning devices (purchased by the local government) coupled with existing tools and procedures will also help to secure other countries. This should reflect positively and help to improve the standing of the ports in international surveys.
Edwards thanked the Canadian government for its assistance and pointed out that the local government will continue to acquire such equipment. "In time we will be able to acquire more equipment as we try to build capacity & and ensure that our people at the borders are capable, efficient and understand & how to treat high risk passengers and at the same time detect contraband," Edwards concluded.
