SINCE last month the Government of Canada, through the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), has been providing ion-mobility spectrometry (IMS) technology, and related training to Customs officials in Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, and St Vincent & the Grenadines.

This latest partnership between Canada and the six Caricom countries is aimed at enhancing border security ahead of the March 11 start of Cricket World Cup 2007. The equipment will be deployed to high-risk and high-volume ports of entry over a six-week period. Training will be provided to approximately 120 customs officials on the use and maintenance of the technology as well as on the identification of narcotics and explosives and response procedures.

“As one of the participating countries in the 2007 Cricket World Cup, Canada is looking forward to a successful event,” said Canadian High Commissioner Denis Kingsley.

“Canada places a high priority on its relationship with the Caribbean and we recognise the importance of maintaining and enhancing our strong, historical partnership.

The provision of this technology is part of our continuing efforts towards the development of a safe, secure and prosperous Caribbean, particularly in the context of Cricket World Cup,” he said.

The IMS technology will assist Customs officials in conducting fast, effective, non-intrusive inspections of high-risk travellers, conveyances, and commercial shipments. Canada has been using this type of technology since 1995 resulting in numerous drug seizures; the technology has been in use since 2006 for explosives.

The CBSA, a part of the Public Safety portfolio, has been a strong supporter and technical assistance provider for Caribbean Customs administrations.