U.S. Pushes Bahamas To Sign PSI
According to reports, U.S. Ambassador to The Bahamas John Rood continues to push for The Bahamas to sign onto the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), but according to the country’s foreign minister, The Bahamas – the world’s third largest ship registry – remains cautious. The PSI would give the US the right to search any of thousands of Bahamas-flagged ship anywhere in the world under the pretext of searching for nuclear material or weapons of mass destruction. After applauding the conclusion of the Megaports Initiative (MPI) and the Container Security Initiative (CSI) as major accomplishments in US-Bahamas relations, Mr. Rood pointed out that The Bahamas has yet to sign on to PSI.
Members of Congressional Committee to Visit Port of Houston
Members of Congressional Committee to Visit Port of Houston Democratic members of the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security will visit the Port of Houston tomorrow. The democratic members of the congressional committee are reviewing port security strategies and tactics. The Port of Houston Authority (PHA) has applied for approximately $13 million in port security grant funds. Grants are expected to be awarded in May. Congress has approved an additional $150 million in port security grants for FY 2003. These funds will be available after the $105 million in supplemental congressional funds for FY 2002 have been awarded.
