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The Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) is intensifying efforts to safeguard the island’s ports, through the implementation of a comprehensive security framework designed to protect critical infrastructure, support economic growth, and ensure Jamaica remains a premier destination for global trade and cruise tourism.                                                         

Vice President (VP) of Security and Safety at the PAJ, Lieutenant Colonel Kirk Johnson tells JIS News that the Authority continues to strengthen its systems through a combination of legislation, technology, and strategic partnerships, while also urging public cooperation in maintaining a secure port environment.                                                          

“Our core function is twofold. We are regulatory and we also deal with development. So, we provide… development on behalf of the Government of Jamaica. We also oversee things like vessel regulations, vessel navigations, wharf facilities and we ensure compliance in terms of the security protocols,” he explains. On the development side, the PAJ continues to advance major projects aimed at expanding Jamaica’s logistics and maritime capacity, including initiatives aligned with the country’s logistics hub strategy. These efforts are intended to enhance trade efficiency and strengthen economic resilience.

Lt. Col. Johnson informs that Jamaica’s port system comprises a network of cargo and cruise facilities strategically distributed across the island. The main cargo ports, which are Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited, Kingston Wharves Limited, and the Port of Montego Bay, handle significant volumes of domestic and transhipment cargo.

In addition, several cruise-ship terminals located along the north, south, and eastern coasts accommodate international passenger vessels, while specialised private wharves support industries such as bauxite and cement. This strategic distribution, he says, enhances operational efficiency while reinforcing Jamaica’s position as a central hub in regional and global shipping networks.              

Lt. Col. Johnson also points out that Jamaica’s location is a major factor in its maritime importance. “Jamaica’s geographic position makes it a critical player in the global maritime trade. The strategic location places Jamaica in the direct alignment of global cargo flows, and this makes us vital for transhipment and logistics,” the Security and Safety VP outlines.

Conversely, Jamaica’s location also provides the ideal spot for the transhipment of contraband and drugs. “There have been instances where criminal elements… have used established shipping routes to move weapons, ammunition, contraband, and even human trafficking to a lesser extent,” he adds.                                                                                                              

Given these realities, the PAJ has adopted a multi-layered approach to port security, combining advanced technology with strict operational controls. Electronic video surveillance systems are installed across cargo and cruise facilities, providing real-time monitoring of operations, restricted zones, and perimeter boundaries.                       

Access to ports is tightly regulated through an identification system managed by the Authority. Individuals must undergo a vetting process, conducted in collaboration with the Jamaica Constabulary Force and other agencies, before being issued a port identification card.

Truckers are also required to be registered and approved prior to entering port facilities.   

The Authority works closely with the Jamaica Customs Agency to strengthen cargo-inspection processes. Non-intrusive scanning equipment is used to examine shipments, allowing officials to detect prohibited items without disrupting the flow of goods.                                                                                                                                                           

Lt. Col. Johnson says these systems have proven effective in identifying illegal cargo, including weapons and ammunition, reinforcing the importance of continuous monitoring and inter-agency collaboration.                                                                 

Security measures are equally stringent at cruise terminals, where the safety of passengers and crew is paramount.

“With cruise tourism serving as a significant contributor to employment and foreign exchange earnings, maintaining a secure and welcoming space is critical,” he argues.

“We need to ensure that our cruise passengers can walk about freely in a safe and secure environment, devoid of harassment, and so we collaborate and partner with entities like the Ministry of Tourism… the Jamaica Constabulary Force… in terms of ensuring that the environment that the cruise passengers need to move about in is fairly safe,” Lt. Col. Johnson adds.