Transport Minister Robeson Benn made it known that both plain clothes and uniformed police officers will be the norm at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport until the government is satisfied that there is no longer an airline threat.
He stated during his address in the National Assembly that Caribbean Airlines flights saw a 13 per cent reduction in passengers yesterday morning, though Caribbean Airlines told the Jamaica Observer yesterday that there had been no cancellations.
Benn said that while flights landed without any problems the airport has heightened security for all outgoing travel. Benn stated that all bags will be thoroughly checked before leaving Guyana, but that he could not confirm what the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was doing in the US.
Benn told the National Assembly that a thorough investigation is necessary in Guyana, Trinidad and the United States following the phone call emanating from Barbados in relation to a possible security threat on a Caribbean Airlines flight bound for the US.
Benn stated that travellers and employees can rest assured that all steps are being taken to ensure that the CJIA is made safe. He continued that the 100 per cent screening of all travellers will most likely continue for the next few days.
On Sunday the US Embassy advised all citizens to avoid CAL flights over the next few days after a threat was received emanating from a call in Barbados. Stabroek News was made to understand that while all flights were to be avoided it, BW 484 February 10 morning flight in particular received the threat. The remaining flights, BW 524, BW 527, BW 662 and BW 424 were delayed but landed safely at their destinations.
Benn had previously told Stabroek News that a high level security meeting was held on Saturday when the government was first alerted to the possible security threat. This publication understands that threat was received approximately two weeks ago.
Meanwhile Home Minister Clement Rohee told Stabroek News that he had no comment to make at this time when asked what the Home Affairs Ministry was doing to ensure the threat was taken seriously and a response system was in place. On Sunday when he was contacted Rohee said he was in a meeting. He could not be reached after.
Guyana Civil Aviation Authority’s Director General Zulficar Mohammed told Stabroek News that the additional police presence at the CJIA would be assisting with all checks. He was unable to verify for how long the additional checks and more stringent security measures would go on.
CAL Country Manager Carl Stuart could not be reached for comment yesterday. Contacted on Sunday, he had said that he could not go into detail on CAL’s security measures in case they were to become comprised.
The US Embassy’s statement encouraged all US citizens to enrol in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive the most up to the minute security updates. The statement also advised that the State Department’s website be monitored.
