KINGSTON - A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Guyana and Trinidad to facilitate hassle free travel for Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) passengers transiting in the twin island republic took effect from August 5, 2015.
The arrangement captured in the MoU is commonly referred to as the “One-Stop” security arrangement for screening of transit and transfer passengers. It is one of the mechanisms that are being encouraged by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
According to Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, the general intent is to significantly improve the efficiency of air travel and place less burden on security screening checkpoints.
“The One Stop Security Screening will allow for transfer and transit passengers to deplane at Piarco International (or CJIA) be directed to the departure lounge and await boarding of their connecting flights without being subjected to further security screening at the main security check-points. It will also eliminate or avoid the inconvenience of remaining on board an aircraft for a lengthy period before its departure,” she stated.
Hon. Ferguson indicated that this is one of many initiatives that will seek to strengthen the relationship between Guyana and T&T who she deemed has made significant strides in aviation.
The Government of Guyana will also seek to engage similar arrangements with other regional counterparts such as Barbados and Suriname. However, in order to ensure the sustainability of this initiative, Minister emphasized, that the security systems and standards at both airports must function at the highest level.
US-TSA/CASSOS Seminar
Meanwhile in late July, Minister Ferguson headed a small delegation to Trinidad for a two day “Insider Threat” seminar hosted by the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS) and the US-Transportation Security Administration (US-TSA).
The seminar saw the attendance of several high level officials which included Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Director Generals, and Aviation Professionals from countries within the Caribbean, and the North and South American region such as USA, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, Suriname, Curacao, and Haiti. Also in attendance were representatives of key stakeholders such as LIAT, Caribbean Airlines Ltd. (CAL), JetBlue, and Piarco International Airport.
Participants of the seminar were introduced and sensitized to new and emerging threats which can adversely affect civil international aviation operations within the region. Of particular interest were insider threats which can evolve from amongst persons or employees within the various organizations operating within the aviation sector particularly within the environments of the international airports; and which can challenge current aviation security systems.
Furthermore, participants have committed to develop and implement appropriate measures and policies that will seek to maintain and safeguard civil aviation operations from such threats. This will entail making improvements to the screening and verification process for existing employees, applicants, and new recruits that are employed in the aviation sector.
Minister Ferguson has echoed similar views in which she has given her commitment to ensuring that Guyana implements the appropriate measures that will ensure ICAO’s compliance and prevent or mitigate against new and emerging threats to Civil Aviation operations in Guyana.
CASSOS and the US-TSA are planning to have follow-up workshops and discussions with the various national authorities so that this growing area of concern can be diligently address.