Montego Bay, St James – In a move to safeguard the nation against external threats, Minister of National Security Robert Montague has ordered a security audit for the country.

“I had a meeting in regard to border security and I asked the permanent secretary to undertake an audit, a security audit, for the country because we are faced with a number of threats. We are faced with a terrorism threat, we are faced with a cyber attack, and our borders are porous and many things are coming into Jamaica, not from the recognised ports,” Montague noted.

“And, therefore, I have asked for that audit and the requisite recommendations because we have to be proactive; we cannot wait until there is an incident then we react. We must have the ability to react, but we must also be proactive.”

He however declined to divulge further information on the issue.

“I am not going any further because, as minister of national security, I am not going to tell you what our plans are because the wrong persons may hear the plans,” the security minister stated.

He was responding to a concern raised from the floor at his recent town hall meeting at the Montego Bay Cultural Centre over the country’s level of preparedness in the event of a terrorism threat.

The security minister also used the platform to salute members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force stationed in St James for their service to the residents in the parish.

“I speak for most of you, if not all, when I say on your behalf I want to thank the men and women who serve in the Jamaica Constabulary Force in the St James Division. And I want to thank them for their service, “Montague remarked.

“Sometimes they might not be the best of human beings, but they are serving to the best of their abilities.”

Prime Minister Andrew Holness was also present at the well-attended public forum.