Cabinet orders portable scanners as port’s main scanner remains out of service

By Azara Lavia
azara.lavia@antiguaobserver.com
Cabinet has ordered portable scanners and firearm-detection dogs for the port as Antigua and Barbuda steps up its response to gun violence while the main container scanner remains out of service.
The measures follow recent shootings and include tighter scrutiny of shipping containers, increased Coast Guard surveillance and intensified police operations.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant stressed on Thursday, however, that there is no evidence illegal firearms are entering the country through the seaport.
Merchant spoke at the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing after Cabinet met senior officials from the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda and the Customs and Excise Division on Wednesday.
The discussions followed recent gun violence, including Monday night’s shooting in Bathlodge, which claimed the life of 20-year-old Saquania Anthony and injured two other people.
Cabinet expressed condolences to Anthony’s family and friends and concern for those injured. It said the violence reinforced the need for urgent action against illegal firearms.
Much of Wednesday’s discussion focused on procedures for examining and clearing containers entering Antigua and Barbuda.
The port’s main container scanner is out of service because of mechanical problems, leaving Customs officers to conduct most inspections manually.
“The port is unfortunately a bit handicapped at this time because the container scanner is unavailable at this time with mechanical issues and they are working feverishly to get that back online to scan containers,” Merchant said.
Cabinet directed Customs to expedite the acquisition of portable scanning equipment and repairs to the main container scanner.
It also approved the acquisition of specially trained detection dogs for deployment at the port to help detect firearms, ammunition and currency.
Despite the increased focus on the seaport, Merchant cautioned against concluding that authorities had identified it as the route by which illegal firearms are entering the country.
“There is no evidence that these items are coming through the ports, but Cabinet must ensure that it plugs any loopholes that may exist,” he said.
Merchant acknowledged, however, that weaknesses in current screening arrangements mean the possibility cannot be ruled out.
“The possibility exists because of the current methods utilised by the port in their screening efforts and that’s why Cabinet asked the Comptroller of Customs to improve on that area of surveillance and also assessing what the items are being imported into Antigua and Barbuda,” he said.
Attention is also turning to Antigua and Barbuda’s maritime borders.
The Coast Guard has been advised to step up surveillance of bays, beaches and surrounding waters as authorities seek to close other potential routes for illegal activity.
Additional equipment is on order to improve surveillance, detection and interception and is expected to arrive before the end of the year.
Cabinet also directed police to intensify enforcement and take what it described as a more forceful and sustained approach to crime and lawlessness.
Police have been encouraged to maintain a strong presence in communities, increase intelligence-led operations and use all lawful means to disrupt criminal activity and remove illegal firearms from the streets.
The increased enforcement is expected to extend beyond serious and violent crime.
Cabinet called for police to address minor offences and other acts of lawlessness that it believes could contribute to wider disregard for the law if left unchecked.
The Government has also renewed its push against illegally tinted vehicles.
Police have been advised to use their existing powers to impound vehicles with illegal tint and take them to the Government Motor Pool for assessment and tint removal.
Motorists may have an opportunity to remove illegal tint when approached by police. Those who fail to comply could be without their vehicles for at least two weeks while the assessment and removal are carried out.
“If you do not comply, the police have the authority to impound your vehicles and take them to the Motor Pool,” Merchant said. “Individuals will be out of their vehicles for not complying for a minimum of two weeks.”
During the meeting, senior police officials again raised concerns about sentencing and bail, particularly for repeat offenders and people suspected of serious crimes.
Cabinet acknowledged the concerns and agreed that repeat offending, bail and sentencing remain part of the wider national discussion on crime and the administration of justice.
The issues are expected to receive further attention when Parliament meets next Monday and Tuesday.
Cabinet also approved additional equipment for the police and military, although details have not yet been disclosed.
Merchant said further information would be provided later. Some of the equipment is being acquired ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.
The Government also appealed to residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and provide information that could help recover illegal firearms and identify people involved in crime.