by RICKY JORDAN

DRUGS, GUNS and almost anything else alongside fish can be brought into Barbados through the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex.

This shocking national security risk was revealed this week by workers at the complex, as well as senior officials
in the fishing industry, who have been calling for the Princess Alice Highway facility to be designated a port of entry and therefore have proper security measures in place.

A source at the complex told the WEEKEND NATION that not only could people on fishing boats and craft possibly bring in illegal substances, but danger was posed to those who worked there up to 11 p.m. daily.

"Anybody can enter the complex after 6 p.m. and nobody would know. The only thing that can't enter there is a cruise liner! You think it easy down there? There's nobody to inspect or escort boats. Anybody can bring in anything after dark, and if they're foreign all they have to do is to have a Bajan on board, let him or her speak and they can just walk through,"
Fisheries officials was how he put it.

Security concern

Henderson Greaves, manager of markets in the Ministry of Agriculture, confirmed the security concern, especially in light of the complex's location between Carlisle Bay and the Bridgetown Port, both designated ports of entry.

During a break in the National Forum on Food Sovereignty held at Sherbourne Centre Wednesday, Greaves told the WEEKEND NATION while he would not wish to fully ventilate the issue, the complex was "the weakest link where fishermen and other craft enter the country, after having gone into international waters, and are not really checked by Customs, Immigration or Port Health".

"It's time that we have all vessels, going outside of our jurisdiction or 12-mile limit, inspected on arrival. To do that, we would have to designate the Bridgetown Fisheries Complex a port of entry so that the necessary personnel can be in place," he said.

He added the complex would then need one or two berthing masters to ensure vessels were moored in order, that the marina was kept clean, and that fishermen, boat owners and captains obeyed all of the regulations.

Boat entries

"The Bridgetown Port has a harbour master and his junior officers who control the entry of boats into the harbour. As a matter of fact, to enter the port, you have to radio ahead of time, about 12 or 24 hours, and give your estimated time of arrival," he said.

However, because the complex was not a designated port, fishing boats and other craft could virtually come and go at will.

Dock Master

"What I'm saying is now that our boats are entering international waters, it is important that we put in place measures to ensure that our security is not compromised between Carlisle Bay and the Bridgetown Port," Greaves added.

WEEKEND NATION checks revealed that a recommendation for a dock master at the 20-year-old complex was made about seven years ago, but nothing had been done to enhance security.

Meanwhile, a well-placed source in the Barbados Coast Guard said they patrolled moorings and fishing facilities, including the Bridgetown complex, Oistins, Weston and Six Men's daily; but had so far found no illegal items nor received any calls of concern.