SLASPA Tightens Security At All Ports Of Entry

Contact: John Emmanuel

Monday, September 24, 2001 - Officials of the St. Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) have been assuring the general public that stringent additional security measures being put in place throughout the many ports of entry on the island are not designed to cause inevitable delays.

Airport Manager with responsibility for the southern based Hewanorra International Airport Peter Jean, says the measures being adopted are generally geared at meeting standards set by the US based Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and international carriers.  “We want it understood that these procedures essentially are not of our making but rather they are procedures to be observed and we are trying to adhere as much as possible to what has been directed in respect of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA),” Jean told the GIS.

According to him, “One thing that’s important to note in this context is that St. Lucia has always held an international focus in the context of security. Therefore while it is true that we don’t at this moment boast all the equipment that is required, we nonetheless have been doing very well over the years. What must be done now however is to conduct some of the hand searches which will been acceptable in the interim until we can install some of the sophisticated x-ray machinery that are required.”

SLASPS says it will institute random baggage checks at all of the island’s ports of entry. The measures SLASPA admits will cause a few delays but will serve to increase customer comfort and safety.

Airports across the OECS have been given far-reaching recommendations for upgrading security. The Antigua-based OECS Directorate of Civil Aviation, which oversees the operations of the region’s airports, issues the recommendations and observations in the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in the United States.

SLASPA’s Deputy General Manager for Airports Evaristus Narcisse says there is to be greater control of access to the airside of airports, with strict monitoring and issuing of security passes and increased security surveillance of people using the area. According to Narcisse, “the heighten measures will include stepped-up monitoring of vehicles used on the ramps and other parts of the airport and greater control over vehicular parking on the outside, including areas close to the terminal building.”

[ Home ] [ Up ] [ Search for 2001 Press Releases ] [Site Help]

© 2001 Government Information Service. All rights reserved.

Read our privacy guidelines.