New United States (US) Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Mary Ourisman has pledged her country's assistance in keeping regional ports safe for Cricket World Cup 2007.

The ambassador presented certificates to 23 regional airport security personnel after they completed an intense ten-day course on Wednesday.

The training in airport security management took place at the Regional Police Training Centre, Seawell, Christ Church, and was sponsored by the Department of State's Anti-Terrorism Assistance (ATA) Programme and organised by the Embassy's Regional Security Office.

In short remarks to the participants, Ambassador Ourisman pledged the US government's support in ensuring that travel to this region especially for Cricket World Cup
would be safe.

"As the new ambassador of the United States of America to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, I pledge that our embassy will work with each of your governments to ensure that travel to and from the Caribbean remains one of the safest routes
for travellers and
citizens abroad," the
US envoy said.

She noted that CWC would bring many visitors to this region but it could "also bring those who may try to disrupt the games, causing destruction
and harm".

The ambassador said terrorism was not only the concern of the United States, but a concern for all states and she called for unity in providing "our citizens with the safest means of travel".

The ATA Programme is authorised by the United States Congress to combat international terrorism.

Through this programme, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security within the Department of State provides training and related assistance to law enforcement and security services in qualified countries around the world.

Participants explored key elements for a standard of civil aviation security at international airports in compliance with international airport standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

To assist Caribbean preparation for CWC 2007, the US Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Security has provided seven security courses and specialised equipment valued at more than US$100 000.

Other bureaus of the Department of State and other departments of the US government have also been providing training, equipment and planning assistance to the CWC 2007 countries over the past two years.

Law enforcement officials from Barbados, St Kitts-Nevis, Antigua, Dominica, St Lucia and Grenada participated in the training. (WB)