The US Embassy recently facilitated a week-long workshop on auditing management systems aimed at strengthening port security, in partnership with the US Coast Guard and MARAD.
The training funded through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) helps strengthen capacity and provide practical skills to relevant security officials working in this critically important area, the embassy said in a press release.
It forms part of a cooperative effort between the US and Guyana to improve global maritime transport security and represents the third of four courses delivered to local officials from multiple agencies.
The workshop was based on international standards for auditing and will assist employees of the port, customs, port police, health, the local coast guard and Maritime Administration of Guyana (MARAD) to perform effective inspections and audits and ensure that ports remain secure.
“Secure ports reduce the risk of threats to the shipping community which in turn keeps the price of shipped goods lower by potentially reducing insurance costs to shippers, and reducing the time it takes to get cargo in and out of Guyana’s ports,” the statement said.
The efforts of the newly trained auditors will strengthen the security of Guyana’s ports by identifying security vulnerabilities and developing solutions through the auditing of security management practices.
The workshop closed last week.
According to the embassy, through such CBSI collaborations, the US and Guyana seek to enhance the bilateral relationship to create a partnership to combat transnational crime, develop strong security institutions in Guyana and advance the safety and security of its citizens.
