In efforts to boost security capacity, John Fernandes Limited on Thursday morning held its annual port security exercise with a staged robbery and hostage situation.
The live exercise “Snapper 3 – 2017” was designed to test the company’s port security staff, officers of the Joint Services (Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force and the Guyana Fire Service), the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), the Maritime Administration (MARAD), Customs, the Public Health Ministry and MMC Security Services in port facility emergency response.
Police ranks preparing to transport the captured bandits during the staged exercise at the John Fernandes Ltd Wharf on Thursday morning
The exercise commenced sometime around 09:05h, when four men armed with AK 47 rifles landed on the northern end of the John Fernandes Limited Wharf Complex via the Demerara River and held the guard along with several labourers hostage.
They then proceeded to open a sealed container and removed several bags containing over $6 million in cash.
Information of the crime was passed via radio from the wharf’s northern gate to the main security hut and the alarm system went off, causing employees to evacuate the buildings as per protocol.
In the meantime, Police arrived on scene and after strategising for about 15 minutes, they stormed onto the wharf and confronted the bandits who were holding the employees hostage in an empty container.
During the staged exercise, the Police were able to free the hostages and detain the four gunmen along with two accomplices; one of whom was an employee acting as the “sweeper” and was armed with a .38 Special Revolver. They also managed to retrieve the stolen money.
The Police ranks who participated in the drill exercise were from the Impact Alpha.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Head of Security at John Fernandes Limited, Philip Fernandes, in brief remarks explained that the exercise is being held to identify areas of weakness and improve of them. He believes that with continuous practice, then persons would know how to properly act in cases of emergencies.
“The idea of talking about emergencies and talking about contingency plans as oppose to going through a physical example like today and doing it is chopping the cheese. So what we did today, I think, was very effective, very important and no doubt will serve us all very well in the future,” the Fernandes.
Following the exercise, a de-briefing session was held where the security officials and law enforcement highlighted deficiencies in the operation and discuss ways improve on them.
During the discussions, concerns were raised of the lack of Police directions to staff during the crimes. Persons also spoke about response of the Police Force, noting that when the rank arrived most of them were not adequately attired in the proper security gears.
Moreover, while the evacuation process was lauded, an officer from the Guyana Fire Service observed that workers were using the main entrance as opposed to emergency exit. He also raised concerns of public security since persons were seen gathering around to witness and not being keep at a safe distance in the event of rounds being discharged.
