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Contact:
John Emmanuel
Monday, March 31, 2003 - Passengers making use of Saint Lucia’s
southern-based international airport, Hewanorra, have begun benefiting from a
heightened sense of security, thanks to overall improvements backed up by new
state-of-the-art equipment. On Wednesday, representatives of the Saint Lucia Air
and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) took government officials on a tour of selected
areas of the international airport where significant improvement in security
measures have been incorporated. The changes were fuelled by concerns from the
international community following the terrorist attacks on the United States on
September 11, 2001.
The security upgrades, financed by a US$5 million loan from the World Bank under
its Emergency Recovery Project include new x-ray screening equipment for
carry-on luggage, new check-baggage screening equipment and supporting
arrangements as well as two new patrol vehicles. “These vehicles are going to
patrol the internal parameter of the international airport to ensure that
nothing untoward is going on at the airport. This is to ensure that we reduce
the possibility of and if possible eliminate it all together, of anybody being
desirous of causing destruction at the airport and in a sense cripple our
economy,” said SLASPA’s General Manager Vincent Hippolyte.
Additional changes have also been effected within the security structure of
SLASPA itself and will lead to tighter controls at the George F.L. Charles
Airport in the capital Castries as well. Along with the new equipment will also
come additional training for staff.
According to Hippolyte, “we have to interact with Customs and Immigration to
ensure that they and other regulatory agencies at the various ports of entry
also step-up their security presence and security interests at the airport. This
is not just a SLASPA issue as it involves everyone including passengers and the
airlines as well.”
Prime Minister and Minister with responsibility for National Security,
Honourable Dr. Kenny Anthony, has welcomed the security up-grades, saying that
failure to measure up would leave the island vulnerable to increased drug
trafficking, criminal elements and possible terrorists activity. Such situations
he explained could lead to a lack of competitiveness in attracting visitors to
the island’s shores. “There can be no question about it that we have to
intensify our efforts, not only in terms of drug trafficking but more crucially
in making sure that we do not become an easy departure point for those who wish
to engage in reckless behaviour,” said Dr. Anthony.
He went on to add, “Whether we like it or not our proximity to the United Sates
was both a strength and a weakness. It is a strength because we have easy access
and share similar time zones and of course we have a great relationship with the
US. It I a weakness because we can be a jumping-off point for those who wish the
citizens of the US great harm.”
The security up-grades at the airports now place Saint Lucia among the most
competitive in terms of attracting visitors and other commercial interest and
investment to the country.
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