…despite enhanced security
Although there has been a beefing up of security at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, officials on Monday discovered that three new Guyana Power and Light (GPL) transformers which were to be installed were stripped and all the copper wire removed.
Chief Executive Officer at CJIA Ramesh Ghir confirmed the losses on Wednesday. He said that the transformers were placed not far from the sewerage plant and after contractors returned to do their work they discovered that the transformers had been stripped.
About this new incident, Ghir said he was concerned that vandalism was still occurring despite enhanced security.
Meanwhile, this newspaper understands that a recent security meeting of aviation officials again examined security and the recent breaches at the airport. Stabroek News also understands that concerns were again raised that the Timehri man who was found with a number of items stolen from the airport in his possession, has not yet been charged.
The man was questioned and then released by police but was not placed on any charges. Ghir told Stabroek News that his efforts to trace the status of the case had received the response from police that their investigations are continuing. He could not comment further on the matter.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Robeson Benn said he was concerned that the man had not been charged. He said there is information that the cable which the man was found with was discarded cable which apparently had been stolen from the airport.
A total of 10 portable runway lights and a number of other items as well as quantities of fuel were stolen from the airport almost three weeks ago. There has since been no sighting of the lights despite searches in many Timehri homes, including the one where a number of other stolen items were found.