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Govt. promises tighter port security after 23 AK-47s slip through
….says Container Control Programme to target high-risk cargo to plug glaring security gaps at ports
(Kaieteur News) – In the wake of 23 US-manufactured AK-47 rifles slipping through Guyana’s ports undetected, the government has announced plans to strengthen maritime security through the implementation of a new Container Control Programme (CCP) aimed at intercepting illegal cargo entering the country.
Minister of Home Affairs, Oneidge Walrond outlined the initiative on Monday during the opening of the 31st Caribbean Port State Control Conference and Regional Meeting of Directors and Heads of Maritime Administrations at the AC Marriott Hotel, Ogle.
The announcement comes amid growing concerns about weaknesses in Guyana’s port security systems following the discovery that a shipment of assault rifles bypassed existing safeguards.
Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond
In a press release, the Department of Public Information said the ministry is currently implementing the programme in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Minister Walrond explained that while the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control focuses on inspections of foreign vessels to ensure compliance with international safety, security, environmental and labour standards, the CCP will focus on identifying high-risk cargo containers that may be used for trafficking drugs, weapons, contraband, and other illicit goods.
“Together, the Caribbean MoU and the Container Control Programme will help ensure that both the vessel and its cargo are subject to effective oversight, strengthening the overall security of the maritime transport chain,” the minister added.
According to her, integrating the two systems will improve intelligence sharing and operational coordination among key border agencies.
“By combining regulatory compliance measures with intelligence-led cargo targeting, we create a comprehensive framework that improves port security, facilitates the detection of transnational organised crime, and supports the safe and secure movement of legitimate trade throughout the Caribbean region,” she said.
She said such coordination is essential as criminal networks continue to exploit legitimate trade routes for illicit activity.
The three-day conference brings together maritime officials and port state control representatives from across the Caribbean to discuss vessel safety, compliance, and regional cooperation on maritime security.
Additionally, Minister Walrond highlighted the importance of strengthening integrated border and maritime security systems alongside traditional Port State Control functions.
She said maritime security must be viewed within a wider national security framework involving multiple agencies.
“Port state control must be seen not only as a maritime administration function, but as part of a wider national security ecosystem,” she said.
The minister underscored the role of agencies such as the Immigration Department, the Guyana Police Force and the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) in safeguarding ports and preventing transnational crime.
She also pointed to ongoing efforts to improve coordination and intelligence sharing across the maritime space to enhance overall security and compliance.
The conference brings together regional maritime authorities to discuss vessel safety, inspection regimes, compliance with international maritime conventions, and the future of coordinated maritime governance in the Caribbean.
Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar said the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding (CMOU) has, for nearly three decades, provided a vital framework for harmonising Port State Control practices and strengthening maritime safety across the region.
He stressed that the system goes beyond technical inspections and standards, and is ultimately about protecting people and supporting trade.
“It is about inspections, standards, compliance, and data. But ultimately, it is also about people. It is about the safety of crews, the protection of passengers, the security of our ports, the preservation of our marine environment, and the confidence that must underpin maritime trade,” he said.
Minister Indar also noted that ports are central to national development, particularly as Guyana continues to experience rapid economic transformation.
“Our ports are more than points of entry and exit. They are gateways to commerce, investment, tourism, food security, energy security, and national development,” he stated.
He added that regional cooperation, training and harmonised standards remain critical as maritime activity continues to grow across the Caribbean.
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23 AK 47 slipped through Guyana Customs ? No Kidding. Whose hands
were greased to allow “sliding” past ?
Those AK 47’s were targeted to simply pass without inspection.
My thoughts are they were not meant to be caught by some “smartie”
at Custom inspector.
One AK47 may be, can slip through. But, 23 ???????????????
In one Container ? Seriously ?