News

 The Government of Dominica is significantly bolstering its border security capabilities in anticipation of major upcoming infrastructure developments, including the construction of an international airport, a seaport extension, and a new marina. These proactive measures aim to ensure the nation's security and compliance with international standards.

Recently, screeners at the Dominica Air and Seaport Authority (DASPA) completed a rigorous two-week training program designed to enhance their knowledge and skills in security screening. These highly trained security scanners hold a unique position, being the only government employees besides the police who are vested with the power of arrest.

The training, described as "intense, interactive, and highly informative," was emphasized as just one step in an ongoing journey. Trainees were urged to guard against complacency and to continuously update their knowledge by staying abreast of international laws and pursuing further certifications.

Mr. Roy Griffin, the instructor for the X-ray Screener Certification course, expressed his satisfaction with the trainees' performance. Mr. Griffin highlighted that a key objective of the training was to ensure the Government of Dominica fulfills its obligations under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Underscoring the critical nature of their roles, Mr. Griffin cautioned that "one error could lead to disaster." He stressed the importance of seamless collaboration among all stakeholders, including customs, immigration, police, and the fire department, to collectively achieve Dominica's security objectives.

To further complement the training, Mr. Griffin recommended the implementation of an internal quality control mechanism and the establishment of several vital committees at Dominica's air and seaports. In a significant step, the national civil aviation security committee has already been established by a cabinet decision.

Furthermore, a draft security program has been circulated among all committee members for their review. The next crucial step will be the inaugural meeting of this committee, which will be presided over by the Minister of National Security, serving as the chair, and the Permanent Secretary, who holds the position of deputy chair.

These concerted efforts underscore Dominica's commitment to robust border security as it embarks on an era of significant national development.