NASSAU, The Bahamas – Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration the Hon. Fredrick A. Mitchell said, on July 25, 2013, that the Memorandum of Co-operation on Civil Aviation Security for Pre-clearance Operations Transportation Security Administration (TSA) between the Governments of The Bahamas and the United States of America is not only a landmark occasion for the tourism industry of both countries, but also positively affects public and private enterprise throughout all aspects of both economies and beyond.
“This Agreement codifies the terms and conditions under which the competent Authorities from both Governments will engage in co-operation activities in the area of civil aviation, establishing, among other things, screening standards, comparable to those implemented in airports in the USA, for both passengers and checked baggage departing Bahamian Pre-clearance airports bound for the United States,” Minister Mitchell said in a statement at the signing of the Agreement at his Ministry.
“In so doing, these efforts will not only facilitate smooth operations of travel between Bahamian pre-clearance airports and American airports – particularly for passengers on transit flights – but will also enhance security capacity for passengers, employees and other stakeholders involved in air transportation industry, which will directly mitigate against current challenges as it relates to aviation between our two Countries,” he added.
Signing on behalf of the United States Government was Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Office of Global Strategies Victoria Reeder. Among the American delegation at the event was Charge d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in The Bahamas John W. Dinkelman.
Also present was Minister of Transport and Aviation the Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin.
Minister Mitchell said that the signing marked the proactive approach taken by both Governments to enhance co-ordination and advance formal mechanisms for effective, safe travel.
“The referenced alignment of security measures and procedures will ensure that The Bahamas and USA continue to enjoy the benefits of exchange inherent to our countries’ proximities to one another,” he said.
The Bahamas is currently one of only five countries in the world to enjoy US Pre-clearance privileges, and has had the honour to do so since November 4, 1974, when the agreement was entered into force, Minister Mitchell said.
Pre-clearance provides considerable flexibility to the airlines operating to and from Nassau and Freeport, he added.
“Notably, The Bahamas is the first in the region and the entire Western Hemisphere to sign an agreement of this kind, and the second to sign worldwide,” Minister Mitchell pointed out. “With tourism being the primary industry in our country, the experience of our visitors also includes travel to and from their destination.
“This is another way in which we are able to maintain our commitment to security, while at the same time allowing the visitor to be processed as efficiently and comfortably as possible. Bahamian and American travellers alike enjoy travel between both countries for business and pleasure.”
Minister Mitchell said, “It is anticipated that this Agreement will add further strength to a historic record of cooperation, signifying another bond by which The Bahamas and the United States promote mutually beneficial outcomes to vital sectors of both economies.”
Caption: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration the Hon. Fred Mitchell and Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Office of Global Strategies Victoria Reeder, clasp hands after signing the TSA Pre-Clearance MOC at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Also pictured at left is Minister of Transport and Aviation the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin. (BIS Photo/Kristaan Ingraham)
