Customs officers protest cameras in Arrival Hall
By TIM SLINGE | Sun, August 15, 2010 - 12:05 AM
THE INSTALLATION and recent operation of close circuit surveillance cameras in the Arrival Hall of the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA), seems headed for a showdown with customs officers.
According to well-informed sources, a delegation of union shop stewards is to meet with Comptroller of Customs Frank Holder on Wednesday to protest the latest development.
“The cameras are operated by the GAIA and also have audio or eaves-dropping capacity. The customs officers see this as an insult to them as a law enforcement agency to have another agency monitoring them on a 24-hour basis,” a customs source told the SUNDAY SUN yesterday.
The officers charged that due to the nature of the work performed by them in the arrival area, including examining passengers’ baggage and conducting interviews, it is inappropriate to have “an external agency having access to such intimate knowledge of customs operations”.
They also submitted that any cameras employed in what has been described as a “sensitive area”, should only be monitored by the customs department, noting that information from this area could also have implications for the safety of their officers.
“We are saying that the GAIA has a role to play at the airport, but they (GAIA) must realise that the other regulatory agencies at the airport have their roles to perform which are vital to the safety and security of this country,” the source added.
The officers said they were not a threat to security “but an integral part of any airport apparatus not a lesser partner, but an equal one”, and it was about time customs officers be given the capacity to do monitoring.
“The same courtesy that is given to customs officers in other jurisdictions worldwide, the local officers want as well,” one source said.
When contacted, Keith Goddard, GAIA corporate communications specialist, confirmed there were close circuit cameras in operation at the airport’s Arrival Hall which were monitored by airport staff.
He however added that this development was fully endorsed by all relevant agencies including the ministry responsible for the customs department.
Goddard also said GAIA had met with senior customs officials on the matter and the operation of the cameras was part of the overall strategy for the airport’s adherence to international standards.
The proposed installation of surveillance cameras at the ports of entry has always been a contentious issue and as far back as 2003, when customs officers at the Bridgetown Port protested about plans to install cameras in the transit sheds.
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Finally an independent body will get to see some of the foolishness a minority of these officers get up to.
Out the cameras in the port next and in immigration.
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Comment LinkThis is an accepted and standard practice at most international airports. What are custom officers in Barbados afraid of? That someone will see many of their alleged corrupt practices? That is why they objected so strongly to the installation of cameras at the ports. If you are honest and up front, and doing your job in a professional manner, you do not have to fear any camera or who may be watching.. It just leaves me, a law enforcement person, with some serious questions about customs.. Hmmm!!!
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Comment LinkThe Customs Department MUST be involved!
End of discussion!
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Comment Linkthis is long over due .this way when travelers say they have been mis treated by customs officers there will be proof or lack of . but more important in light of all the madness going in other places of the world this could serve as a deterrent .
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Comment LinkThis is long over due!!! The officers must protest when they display such callous indifference and disrespect for persons using the airport. I personally have been a victim of constant harassment by a senior officer each time I pass through the airport and this same camera might be by saving grace in a criminal matter if he decides to frame me or even worse…..
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Comment LinkOnly when the shoes are too tight on our feet, do we realize how it feels when someone else is wearing the tight shoes. When members of the Customs DEPT. are disrespecting and violating the basic rights of members of the public it is ok. Members of the public are to be disrespected and keep their mouth closed. When you have a problem or your rights have been violated and you seek an audience with the Comptroller of Customs, it is impossible to get and kind fairness or resolution from him. However, in all fairness I think I understand the Customs Officers concerns about being monitored by another agency. Maybe the solution to this situation is to have someone from the customs DEPT to be part of the monitoring process 24 hours a day. if the Customs Officers are being above board they should not have a problem with my suggestion.
Again there is much more to consider here in terms of national security. Which is another pot of fish.
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Comment LinkCUSTOMS OFFICERS PROTEST
GOOD MOVE BY THE POWERS THAT BE AND ABOUT TIME TOO,THEY, CUSTOM OFFICERS WANTING TO DO THE MONITORING OF THEMSELVES WHAT A FARCE THAT WOULD BE. THE HISTORY AND RUMORS OF PAYOLA DICTATES THAT GOVERNMENT IMPLEMENT THE PROCESS. AND LET THE CHIPS FALL WHERE THEY MAY.
(STOP THE FOX FROM MONITORING THE CHICKENS)
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Comment LinkI am puzzled by the response of the custom officers.Why would this measure meet with such resistance? I view the measure as an attempt to improve the overall security of the airport.One would only object if there is something to hide. Further are the customs officers suggesting there are a law unto themselves? It is a good move by the airport .Not too long Custom officers did what they like,to who they like without recourse.Now we will have more accountability.
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Comment LinkThere is nothing wrong with CCTV in the arrivals hall at GAIA, the reason why the customs officers don’t want the cameras is because they don’t want their bosses to see how unprofessional, slack and the lack of customer service they offer.
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Comment LinkTry living in England - cameras everywhere . Advantages and disadvantages. Fact of life though.
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Comment LinkIf the customs officers don’t have anything to hide, the installation of these cameras should not be problem. In also every country around the world cameras are set up in the customs. What are they afraid of?
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Comment LinkLong overdue. It is time for honest work for the pay. You will find that the ones who are up to no good always protest.
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Comment LinkI say leave the cameras so those in authority could see how rude some custom officers behave -
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Comment LinkIf it were up to the person who commented under the name Mike Webster, the discussion would be null and void. I say a silent prayer thanking the lord that it is not. GAIA is one of our ports of entry. This is where goods, wanted and unwanted enter our island and affect us unknowingly, until it is too late. Why can’t the customs officers see the inclusion of camera’s as a safe guard to ensure that the more eyes on the job, the less will slip by. To be so publicly vocal about anyone one else being privy to their activities, should pale in comparison to wondering what exactly they are afraid of people seeing. The customs officers are not an entity unto themselves and transparency is always to be promoted. We spend more time fighting working conditions and rules, than actually working.
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