Cabinet Calls for Stronger Container Screening and Closer Port-Customs Cooperation

Cabinet has called for stronger screening of containerised cargo and closer cooperation between the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority and the Customs and Excise Division following a review of port security on Wednesday.

Port Manager Darwin Telemaque and Chief Security Officer Jason Roberts presented recommendations aimed at improving cargo inspections, surveillance and information sharing at the country’s ports.

A central concern was the balance between cargo volumes and security scrutiny. Cabinet was told that approximately 88 per cent of cargo is handled through the container terminal, while about 12 per cent passes through the warehouse.

The Port Authority argued that greater security attention should be directed towards the terminal, where most cargo is handled inside sealed containers.

Telemaque explained that containerisation, introduced in Antigua in 1972, changed the inspection environment. Previously, loose bags, boxes, pallets and individual packages moved through the transit shed, giving officials greater physical visibility of cargo.

The Authority recommended a stronger Customs presence at the terminal and gate, increased use of scanning technology and prompt reconciliation of cargo records to identify discrepancies, including containers discharged unexpectedly or listed for arrival but not received.

Under a proposed risk-based screening system, high-risk cargo would undergo scanning and joint physical examination by Port and Customs officials before release. Medium-risk cargo would be scanned and checked against supporting documents, with random physical inspections, while lower-risk shipments would remain subject to documentation checks and spot inspections.

Other recommendations included expanded CCTV coverage, sufficient staff to monitor cameras continuously, employee background checks and tighter controls on people and vehicles entering operational areas.

Cabinet also discussed greater integration of Port and Customs electronic systems. Telemaque said the technological infrastructure exists to support information exchange, but further work is needed to achieve operational integration.

The relevant agencies were encouraged to address obstacles to digitisation and improve the timely sharing of critical cargo information with law-enforcement authorities.

The Port Authority also proposed joint standard operating procedures, training to help designated security personnel identify illicit items such as firearms, and proper recording of scans, inspections and discrepancies. Regular audits and reviews of cargo risk profiles were recommended.

Cabinet welcomed the proposals, noting that stronger security at the country’s points of entry supports efforts to combat the illegal movement of firearms, ammunition, narcotics and other contraband.

The recommendations will form part of continuing discussions among the Port Authority, Customs and other security and law-enforcement agencies.