Latest update April 12th, 2026 12:50 AM
Security threat at John Fernandes Ltd. prompts port security exercise
In response to an unspecified threat that port authorities received on Tuesday last, security officials from John Fernandes Ltd., and the other wharves in the city increased the port security level to level two in keeping with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code.
In addition to the increase, Kaieteur News was able to view a security exercise in progress. Items destined for shipping, along with the vehicle and personnel that brought them were thoroughly checked for contraband.
The ISPS code is a mandate used by Governments around the world to prescribe security protocols to detect threats and ensure that preventative measures can be taken. In addition to stopping the import/export of narcotics, it has also helped to net arms and ammunition through its implementation.
Mark Archer, the Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO) for the John Fernandes Ltd., confirmed that the security level had been raised to Level Two, based on the ISPS code.
“The scenario is that we have received a threat, of an unknown type and due to that we are forced to raise the security level. So, based on the port facility security plan, this is the process that has to be followed, “he said.
At security level two, he explained, the police would cordon off the area and search the vehicle and stocks. Once that is finished, he said, the vehicle is then escorted to the ship side, where the stores will be delivered to the ship.
“In the ISPS code there are three levels, level one is ordinary procedures, level two is security level and level three is a shutdown of the port,” he said.
“The threat was of an unknown type, but it was credible. So, because of that we had to raise the security level.”
During level two, port security personnel, who are trained by United States Coast Guard, are mandated to thoroughly check every vehicle and all items entering into the port facility. While an official present stated that there has been no seizure of a serious nature recently, he noted that whenever contraband is uncovered, the culprit is immediately detained and the police summoned.
The exercise is done annually and involves collaboration between Port authorities, the Customs Anti Narcotics Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Police Force.
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