The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

A Bahamian firm yesterday revealed it is aiming to create between 120-150 jobs through constructing a $2m training facility in west Grand Bahama.

BOARDSECU, in a statement issued yesterday, said the facility will be used to train Bahamians and other nationalities in the operation of scanning equipment to be used at ports of entry throughout the world.

The company said it had already secured a partnership with AWS, a Canadian firm that distributes the IGRIS scanners, to provide scanning equipment for all ports of entry in The Bahamas - especially those where containers are landed. It added that IGRIS scanners are used by the Pentagon, US army, Department of Defense and military bases.

Sean Deveaux, BOARDSECU's director, said the company has already made presentations to the Government on its proposal. "BOARDSECU is thrilled about providing the answer for many of our country's immediate concerns, which are alleviating the importation of drugs, other contraband, guns, ammunition, harmful chemicals, illegal immigrants, etc," he added.

"The IGRIS scanning technology will assist Customs in collecting additional much-needed revenue that would assist the Government in funding other programmes, therefore improving the country. Other countries that have already shown an interest in this technology are South Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Jamaica, Tanzania, Congo, Liberia, Nigeria, Libya, Argentina, Colombia, India, Uruguay Ecuador and the list goes on."

Mr Deveaux added that BOARDSECU has proposed to implement the project at no upfront cost to the Government, and will undertake 100 per cent of the cost for maintaining the IGRIS scanners.

He told Tribune Business that AWS, in conjunction with BOARDSECU, has proposed building a multi-purpose facility on Grand Bahama to train operators of the IGRIS equipment from around the world.

"Our proposal is for a $2m training facility on the outskirts of Grand Bahama. We're looking at western Grand Bahama. We are looking to lease Crown Land. We're seeking a 10-year contract with the Government. We are in talks with the Government on this. We intend to turn the facility over to the Government after the 10-year contract is finished," said Mr Deveaux.

"In terms of the traffic, we're are anticipating to draw from countries around the world and local tertiary level institutions of 150 students on a monthly basis. We're offering 85 jobs in Grand Bahama and an additional 35-40 here in New Providence."