–in face of ‘unconfirmed threat’against CAL
–US Embassy warns its citizens against flying CAL over next 72hrs
THE United States Embassy yesterday warned that it had received “unconfirmed threat information” about Caribbean Airlines’ flights, and urged Americans to avoid using that carrier.A security message posted on the embassy’s website reads: “Out of an abundance of caution, the Embassy advises all U.S. citizens in Guyana travelling on Caribbean Airlines (CAL) to the United States from Monday, February 10, through Wednesday, February 12, 2014, to make alternate travel arrangements.”

The embassy also called on U.S. citizens travelling to, or residing in, Guyana to enrol in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which gives the latest security updates and makes for easier contact in an emergency.

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), in a statement issued late last night, said a heightened security posture will remain in place over a number of days, until such time as the threat is no longer deemed valid.

The CJIA authorities acknowledged that both the CJIA and the Ministry of Public Works have been advised of a “threat” received by Caribbean Airlines, and they immediately convened a high-level security meeting with relevant security agencies and stakeholders of the airport.

The statement said, “The officials assessed the threat and put in place a number of measures to prevent any untoward occurrence. The ministry and CJIA have since adopted the highest security posture to protect passengers, crew, aircraft and airport employees, and to ensure the continued smooth and safe operations at the airport.”

CJIA authorities have called on passengers and other airport users to be on the lookout for any suspicious activities or occurrences, and to report same immediately to an airport security official.

Carl Stuart, a representative of Caribbean Airlines Limited, was quoted in the Associated Press as saying that the airline’s level of security involving the police, military and other agencies has been heightened.

“We have been on this since Friday. We are on top of this, and flights will continue as normal; but we are taking no chances,” Stuart stressed.
Written By Vanessa Narine