Rood Backs Port Deal

His comments came as debate over the plan continued in the United States and new information arose that the U.S. government, amid growing concern on the part of some critics of the plan, is now seeking permission from the Bahamas government to have U.S. customs agents stationed at the port.

Mr. Rood said negotiations regarding the deal between the United States and the Hong Kong conglomerate, Hutchison Whampoa, were ongoing.

"At one point, we had actually hoped that those negotiations would have been concluded when the Secretary (of State Condoleezza Rice) was here," he said.

"[We had hoped] she could have signed the agreement, but even though we missed that deadline, we hope that within the next couple months, those negotiations would be concluded."

John Meredith, group managing director of Hutchison’s port subsidiary, which runs the Freeport Container Port, confirmed the pending diplomatic talks, according to international reports.

Mr. Meredith is quoted as saying that "they are getting close to fixing up a deal between The Bahamas and the U.S."

"If they want to put American people out there to have a look at it, that’s fine," he said, "but people should respect also that you’ve got to have trusted partnerships, both with the private sector and with foreign governments."

The proposed arrangement to have U.S. customs agents stationed at the port would be part of a $6 million no-bid contract deal the United States is finalizing with Hutchison Whampoa to help detect nuclear materials inside cargo.

The contract has, however, generated criticism from some U.S. lawmakers and security experts, who expressed concern over placing the monumental security task in the hands of a foreign firm.

The Bush Administration had acknowledged that the deal represents the first time a foreign company would be involved in running sophisticated U.S. radiation detection equipment at an overseas port without American customs agents present.

Despite the furor, the US ambassador insisted that the arrangement is in everyone’s best interest.

"Whether it’s looking for radioactive materials or stationing agents to do a form of pre-clearance, it’s good business for the port. It’s going to make it more competitive which is something we want to happen," Mr. Rood said.

"We want more containers to go to Freeport, which would generate more employment. We also like the idea that it relieves the United States of the need to store the containers until they are cleared once they get to the states. So it facilitates moving in and out of Florida or wherever they’re going."

The ambassador also commented on the claim some American officials reportedly have that there would be "inadequate oversight" in The Bahamas.

"We have a high level of confidence in the workers right now and in the customs officials," he said. "It’s not like one person is in charge of this."

He said a procedure would be put in place to make sure that a certain percentage of the containers are monitored and that one person would not be able to manipulate the system and allow containers to go through unchecked or ignore the signals.

"So it’s a pretty sophisticated system," the ambassador assured. "Once the senators really understand what the programme is about they would be really comfortable about and understand that it is a win-win situation – for the U.S., for The Bahamas, for the port."

The Associated Press reported that under the contract, employees of Hutchison will drive the truck-like radiation scanner at the port under the direct supervision of Bahamian customs officials.

Any positive reading would set off alarms monitored simultaneously by officials in Freeport and by U.S. customs officials working at an anti-terrorism centre in Northern Virginia.