Caribbean regional port security conference sponsored by Pentagon

Maritime authorities and workers met recently in the Bahamas to share best security practices and standards at a two-day symposium, co-sponsored by the US Army's Southern Command, reported the Bahama Journal.

Bahamas Maritime Minister Dion Foulkes told the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Symposium held at police headquarters that geopolitical threat calls for greater co-operation among nations committed to the ideals of freedom and the protection of human rights.

Police Chief Superintendent Hulan Hanna said he found it hard to hire adequate numbers of qualified police officers to secure the country's ports.

Officials from the customs, immigration, the military, tourism and aviation officials, private security firms as well as authorities from the Family Islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands also attended the conference.