FT. LAUDERDALE, USA: The Caribbean nation of St. Kitts & Nevis announced today that it has selected SeaSecure LLC, a global leader in maritime security and counter-terrorism consulting, to perform critical port security assessments and write the security plans for their strategic port facilities.
SeaSecure has also been appointed as the official Recognized Security Organization for the country.
SeaSecure is working closely with the St. Kitts & Nevis government, including the Coast Guard, as well as private sector organizations in completing threat and vulnerability assessments of each of the country's seaports.
Following the assessment phase, SeaSecure is writing security plans that will ensure compliance with the July 1, 2004 deadline of the International Ship & Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code enacted by the United Nations' International Maritime Organization in 2002.
In a statement from the capital Basseterre, Donald Cable, General Manager for the St. Christopher Air & Sea Ports Authority said, "St. Kitts selected SeaSecure after an exhaustive selection process. It became obvious early on that SeaSecure is the world’s most experienced and respected maritime security company. Throughout the world, and especially in the Caribbean Basin where they have worked in virtually every country, SeaSecure is the trusted choice of governments and seaports. Our relationship with SeaSecure will help to ensure our country's compliance with the ISPS Code and give assurance to our trading partners that St. Kitts & Nevis will remain 'open for business' after 1 July. We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership with SeaSecure."
From his office in Ft. Lauderdale, SeaSecure's President, Kim Petersen, said in a statement, "In addition to being some of the most beautiful and popular islands in the Caribbean, St. Kitts & Nevis also play an important role in maritime trade within the Caribbean Basin. All of us at SeaSecure are very proud to have been selected by the Government as their partner in maritime security," said Petersen. "SeaSecure is working closely with the port authority, their national security office, law enforcement, and industry, as we continue the assessment and plans process mandated by the IMO's International Ship and Port Facility Security Code. Through our combined efforts, we are confident that St. Kitts & Nevis will be fully compliant with all of their international security obligations by July 1st."
Following the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the ISPS Code was adopted by the IMO to address maritime security at all international ports and the security of ships engaged in international commerce. The ISPS Code has set strict standards for port and ship operators that must be achieved by 1 July 2004.
