Nassau, The Bahamas -- The Ministry of Transport and Aviation assisted the US Embassy in Nassau to open an aviation security seminar to screen anti-terrorism techniques. The seminar was held January 21 at SuperClubs Breezes Oceanview Conference Room and attended by representatives from local and US airline companies.

"I am delighted to join you at the opening of this 'Aviation Security Excellence in Screening Techniques Course'.  I would be remiss if I did not recognise the important and continued assistance and collaboration between the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism (CICTE) of the Organisation of American States, and the United States Government Department of Homeland Security, who have, together, provided the funding and instructors for this training course," said the Hon Hope Strachan, State Minister for Transport and Aviation.

"Representatives in the Aviation Security Field from, both the Department of Civil Aviation and Bahamasair, are here today to attend a five-day course, which will offer them an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to deter, detect and prevent prohibited items, such as, explosives, guns and improvised explosive devices from being introduced into the restricted areas of our airports or onboard any of our aircraft."

State Minister Strachan said that in recent years, The Bahamas has put in place a number of enhanced measures to strengthen aviation security, both in Nassau and in the Family Islands.  She said that despite the efforts made, the security challenges faced by the aviation industry are constantly evolving.

"Those of you here who stand at the forefront of the line of defence must remain vigilant.  There is no room for complacency, and you must continue to work together as Aviation Security Professionals to identify possible vulnerabilities in our security systems," said Minister Strachan.

She noted that during the five days of training, the participants will be instructed in security awareness and security check point operations, which will include, but are not limited to, the function of a walk- through metal detector, an X-Ray machine, an explosive trace detector, and the proper use of a hand held metal detector.

Minister Strachan said that a session in special screening situations is also scheduled to assist with the understanding of how to deal with passengers who are classified as persons with disabilities.

"To those security officers from Family Island airports at which screening equipment, such as X-Ray machines and walk -through metal detectors, are not readily available, you will be instructed in an alternative method, which will not deviate from accepted International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and National Aviation Security Standards," said the State Minister.

She said as tourism is vital to the country's economy, it is not difficult to imagine that the enhanced security measures that will be implemented may be perceived as an inconvenience by some users at the airport.

State Minister Strachan said one of the most challenging tasks will be to make sure that security is not achieved at the expense of efficiency and customer service.

Ms Strachan concluded by saying she hopes all participants will take the opportunity to prepare themselves to be exposed to a form of training that will prepare them to become security instructors par excellence.