A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Guyana and Trinidad to facilitate hassle-free travel for Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri passengers transiting in the twin island republic took effect from August 5, 2015.
A release yesterday from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure said that the arrangement 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 being encouraged by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the release said.
According to Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, the 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.
Travellers in the past have complained bitterly about having to endure additional security checks at Piarco.
Ferguson said that this is one of many initiatives that will seek to bolster the relationship between Guyana and T&T.
The Government of Guyana, she said, will also seek similar arrangements with other countries such as Barbados and Suriname. The Minister emphasized that to ensure the sustainability of the initiative, security systems and standards at both airports must function at the highest level.
