Minister of Immigration Hon. Arlington Musgrove revealed that the Customs Canine Unit has obtained the services of two sniffer dogs with the capability of detecting narcotics, weapons, ammunition and undeclared currency.
Arlington Musgrove, Minister of Immigration
The minister made the revelation during a news conference last week, at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. He said procurement of the sniffer dog duo should bolster the detection of contraband at the Providenciales International Airport, while ensuring that customs fee dodgers are brought to book.
Training, he said, is taking place among the staff to work with the dogs.
Minister Musgrove said continuous training was being offered to equip staff with the skills required to meet the demands of the job and the new technologies expected to come with it. The training includes, among other things, firearms, trafficking and money laundering.
He revealed also that the Providenciales International Airport is to get a new bag scanner.
“I have also discussed with the collector to activate a more modernised search mechanism of personal belongings at the airport. He said this measures become necessary because COVID has forced airport to explore alternative measures, to safely and effectively execute their jobs.
Additionally, Minister Musgrove stated that installation of CCTV systems has been done at the ports on Grand Turk and South Caicos.
“It was important for us to improve surveillance to monitor movement and detect any suspicious activity on these islands,” he said.
Additionally, he said a more modern port, with a new roll on/roll off ramp and asphalt/concrete container yard pavement was completed on the island of Grand Turk, pointing out also that the Bellfield Landing in North Caicos is to get much-needed attention.
“We have also approved the Bellfield Landing Welcome Centre on North Caicos. This project comes with added boat slips and the paving of the pier. The people of middle and North Caicos will have a fully functioning welcome centre and for the first time operated by a port manager,” the minister announced.