Five day training aims to enhance port security

Port security training

MAURITIUS: A five-day training initiative aimed at elevating port security hosted by the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries kicked off on Monday in Port Louis.

Launched by the Minister, Dr Arvin Boolell, the programme is a continuation of the Port Security Training Project of the International Maritime Organisation, in collaboration with the Indian Ocean Commission and the European Union, for capacity building in maritime security. Its aim is to enhance capacity building for personnels from relevant Port Security Facilities, who are directly or indirectly involved in the implementation of maritime security in our Port.

The Junior Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Gilles Fabrice David, and other eminent personalities also attended the launching ceremony.

In his keynote address, the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries dwelt on the potential of Mauritius as an Ocean State, and underlined that the sea is a key lifeline for the country.

Elaborating on key challenges such as illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and drug trafficking undertaken by sea, Dr Boolell pressed for enhanced security. “As a Nation, we must come together with reliable partners of the African region and stand together to scale up efforts to protect what is relevant to our economy,” he stated.

Moreover, Minister Boolell highlighted the need for all partners to assess existing policies and to elaborate ones that respond to the needs of the people. He also called for an active and proactive stand by mobilising all necessary resources.

Dr Boolell further reassured Government’s investment to support these endeavours, underpinning its intent to modernise the fisheries sector and ensuring more safety and security at the port.

Minister David, remarked that the country’s port is the heartbeat of the economy as a driver of trade, it creates job and connects the country to the world.

“Our vision, he added, is to optimise and transform our port into a worldclass hub that sustains and accelerates the Nation’s growth,” he said.