Khan: Intelligence will defeat crime, terrorism

DECLARING that intelligence was essential to defeating crime and terrorism, Works and Transport Minister Franklyn Khan said this was the common denominator in the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and the Police Reform Bills — which were defeated in Parliament last week. The Minister made this connection when he addressed a ceremony at the Cascadia Hotel to mark Trinidad and Tobago’s achievment of the July 1 worldwide deadline for ISPS compliance. The ISPS Code is part of the new International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (amended after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the US) and all nations were required to  meet the deadline or face the prospect of trade sanctions.

“Today the fight against terrorism will not be won by those with large bombs or fighter jets. It will be won by societies that put in place systems of intelligence, surveillance and proper operating systems for national security. What we have put into place are surveillance, intelligence and systems. What we have is putting a template in which the hardware for the Coast Guard, the Army and the security services will now have, to put on a platform, that could have the genuine, maximum use. Protecting the industry, seaborne trade and the world economy at large is an ongoing duty, and we must ensure that this is done,” Khan declared. The Minister said the ISPS Code was very similar to the Police Bills.

“What we were putting with those Bills was just the template to act because this type of system sets the template in which your hardware will have meaning. By the same token, the legislative agenda and the correct laws in place will not solve crime but they will put a legislative framework in which the police and the security forces can operate in tandem with systems, procedures and that is the only way that hardware can have its maximum and optimum use,” he explained. Khan was absent from last week’s parliamentary debate due to a family commitment. Khan added that Government pulled out all the stops and approximately $75 million was spent to ensure that 29 of TT’s 48 ports which required ISPS compliance met the July 1 deadline.

These ports include bpTT Galeota, Atlantic LNG (Point Fortin), Plipdeco (Pt Lisas) and Labidco (La Brea). The minister also disclosed that over 500 persons were trained during this exercise in maritime security and “tactics necessary to thwart terrorists.” “TT’s maritime sector is integral to our economic well-being and protecting it from the threat of terrorism is a major national priority,” he declared. Junior National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds said TT’s achievement of ISPS compliance was another step in Government’s promise “to do everything in its power to ensure the safety and security of our people.” Khan told reporters afterwards that $20 million worth of scanning equipment for the ports in Port-of-Spain and Point Lisas should be received within two months and TT’s ISPS compliance was not contingent on their receipt.