August 14, 2012
By Cleopatra Murphy
Decision Sciences International unveiled the new multi-mode passive detection system (MMPDS) during a demonstration at the Freeport Container Port yesterday.
The system, which is the fist of its kind, ramps up security at the facility as it detects shielded and unshielded nuclear and radiological threats in containers as they pass through the Freeport Container Port.
Stanton Sloane, CEO and president of Decision Sciences International, said the new technology has the potential to make the world a safer place.
“This is transformational from a technical point of view. It has the potential to make The Bahamas a lot safer and make sure that nothing hazardous or threatening is moving through the port,” he said.
Sloane said with people from across the world expected to come to Grand Bahama to observe how the multi-mode passive detection system works it will highlight the country.
Sloane said because the system is passive, there are no radiation or safety threats to humans or animals while it is in operation, noting that people do not have to stay far away from it.
“MMPDS is safe, effective, reliable, accurate and represents the best of American scientific innovation,” he said. “This technology addresses a serious threat to not only our safety and security, but to the global economy as well. MMPDS enables compliance with the US 9/11 commission recommendation for 100 percent scanning – a recommendation that was enacted into law by the U.S. Congress,” he said.
Kevin Layton, vice president of operation for Decision Sciences International also lauded the benefits of the system, noting that the process of scanning each container with the system takes less than a minute.
He noted that the system is also unique as it is the only one that detects shielded nuclear material.
“If terrorists shielded the material in lead, in steel, other systems cannot find it, but ours can,” Layton said.
The company began work on setting up the system on February 8, 2012, and was completed on August 8.
“It’s exciting that the Freeport Container Port gets the first system off the production line,” Layton said.
Minister for Grand Bahama Dr. Michael Darville said he was excited the first system was placed on Grand Bahama.
“We are excited. The Ministry of Grand Bahama, the country, is excited and we are happy that the company decided to use Grand Bahama first of all for the demo to the international community and second of all to put the first system in the world here on Grand Bahama for the detection of nuclear products. It’s a big issue now for us in Grand Bahama because the port is growing. We are talking about the extension of the Panama Canal and about the possibility of more ships coming to Grand Bahama,” he said.
Darville said it is reassuring the technology would be used to protect the port and by extension, residents and noted that the system would draw a lot of positive press for the island.
“It was really something good to see for the first time in Grand Bahama, this technology which is state of the art being implemented for the first time here on Grand Bahama,” he said.
Minister of Financial Services Ryan Pinder added that the technology was exciting for the country and its trade agenda.
“Certainly this sets The Bahamas as a trade hub far apart from competitors. We have the most modern technology in the world, obviously something that’s very, very important as there are anti-terrorism threats and initiatives undertaken,” he said.”MMPDS is safe, effective, reliable, accurate and represents the best of American scientific innovation,” he said.
“This technology addresses a serious threat to not only our safety and security, but to the global economy as well. MMPDS enables compliance with the US 9/11 commission recommendation for 100 percent scanning – a recommendation that was enacted into law by the U.S. Congress,” he said.
