-more than $2M in equipment handed over for airport security
GOVERNMENT’s commitment to continuous improvement of security at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation (CJIAC) is heightening with the provision of more resources including key pieces of equipment.

More than $2M worth of equipment last Monday was handed over by the CJIAC management to its security division. The presentation was made by CJIAC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramesh Ghir to the airport’s security management committee at Timehri.

Among the equipment presented were 10 Very High Frequency (VHF) communication radios, a VHF base station radio, two hand held metal detectors, a modular bomb kit device and an operational test piece device.

This will complement existing resources and aid further strengthening of security operations at CJIAC in keeping with Government’s programme through which more than $50M was invested over recent years to provide necessary equipment for enhancing its security.

Ghir highlighted the importance of continuous improvement of the airport’s security, and assured that the Corporation will continue to provide necessary support, resources and training to the division in this regard. Reference was made to the response of the security staff and the effectiveness of existing systems that prevented attempts to smuggle a gun out of the country.

Assistance Commissioner - Special Constabulary, Marvin Glasgow pointed out that there is need to ensure that efforts are constantly made to acquire advanced equipment and security systems as law breakers are also making efforts to increase their capacity with the use of modern technology.

He expressed gratitude for the equipment, which will help to aid the security staff in their efforts to tighten safety at all levels, particularly since the airport is a very important location.

Head of the Public Sector Security Programme, Ministry of Home Affairs, Joseph Quamina noted that the equipment will significantly enhance the airport’s security division ability. The need for all employees to be very appreciative of such investments by government was highlighted to ensure that there is continued interest in the function and use of the equipment.

Additionally, efforts are being made to ensure that there are adequate systems in place for the safe processing of passengers’ luggage and to ensure quick detection of any type of metal. Meetings were held with CJIAC management and several airlines to discuss various measures in this regard.

Supplementary staff have also been hired to deal with the holiday season and to ensure that congestion at both the arrival and departure areas are alleviated.

Major investments were made by the Government over recent years to improve aviation security at the CJIAC with assistance from the Multi-Lateral Investment Fund through the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Under a contract with Longport, Columbia, an international aviation security company, focus was placed on regulatory strengthening, implementation of new administrative services and training. The main objective was to enhance the national civil aviation security programme, formalise the general regulatory framework and design a long term strategy for financial and operational sustainability of the present and future airport security systems.