MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Positive feedback on security zone

THE new security facilities at the public jetty and FIPASS have been running “very efficiently” and feedback from cruise companies has been favourable, according to the Director of Tourism

Connie Stevens says she has spoken to a number of passengers about security in general and, "...they are all very relaxed about the whole thing, as they are well accustomed to screening and security checks in other ports and especially on board the ships, where they are checked when leaving and when returning."

Many ships have machine systems at the head of their gangways for checking passengers on and off.

The Falkland Islands Government spent over £80,000 on the new security facility - required under the Safety of Life at Sea Convention - at the Public Jetty, sparking strong debate at public meetings over its necessity.

Mrs. Stevens commented, "I think to be honest, that it was originally made more of an issue here than it really actually is to the passenger - by that I mean that there was perhaps an assumption that passengers might find it an annoyance, when in reality, they just accept it for what it is - a measure to protect their safety, and most passengers seem to welcome that protective approach."

Speaking to many of the crew members, Mrs. Stevens says the same response applies - "It hasn't been an issue with them either. Again, they are accustomed to it in other parts of the world."

She said that crew members who have visited Stanley prior to the introduction of the security facilities have commented favourably, "...saying that the Jetty area does look ?lived in' now and much more welcoming - a combination of the welcome sign, benches, flower tubs, security building, etc. "We have received comments along the lines of, ?it looks more like a reception area', ?much more inviting', and ?it's good to see a joined up approach to tourism' - meaning the security area being alongside the Visitor Centre and all working well together."

On one particular day when the Royal Princesswas visiting Stanley, the security team were asked to screen 100% of passengers, as there was a technical hitch with the computers on board the ship; Mrs. Stevens reported, "...this they did, and the queue still never reached beyond the front door of the Pod Gift Shop - which was quite an achievement at the peak period during that particular day when a large number of passengers were returning to the jetty area to catch their tenders back to the ship." (PN)