TO ensure the safety and security of passengers and cargo utilising Guyana’s main port of entry, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Government has been investing resources to improve technology and human resources capacity.
Like other international airports across the world, CJIA is faced with many challenges including terrorism and narcotics trafficking and as such a Security Integration Workshop was held earlier this week at the airport to ascertain ways in which they can be eradicated and/or reduced. In attendance at the workshop were the Ministers of Home Affairs and Transport and Hydraulics, Clement Rohee and Robeson Benn respectively; Chief Executive Officer of CJIA Ramesh Ghir; Senior Executives of CJIA, representatives of Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit and Criminal Investigation Department, law enforcement and cargo operators.
Minister Rohee highlighted that a Task Force on Airport Security meets on a monthly basis at the Ministry of Home Affairs to evaluate and monitor security arrangements of CJIA to stamp out deviant behaviour and criminal activities.
He emphasised that airports have the responsibility to ensure that the safety and security of passengers are maintained. It was noted that three elements should be considered when focusing on security through an integrated approach: relevant technology, law enforcers and criminal elements.
Focusing on some of the threats that affect all airports inclusive of Guyana’s, Minister Rohee highlighted that trafficking in narcotics is a major concern. He explained that most stakeholders are at one on this issue. It was noted that law enforcers, authorities of CJIA and agents have always co-ordinated in terms of Standard Operational Procedures.
Minister Rohee emphasised that there may be a number of factors that embolden the masterminds to provide pellets to those who utilise the service of CJIA.
Some of the factors are: the rate of success is great; the masterminds have many persons in their pockets so they can move smoothly through the airport; reliance on the malfunctioning of technology and information that a person may be absent and a group may be present that will facilitate the movement.
He noted that the most critical factor in the chain of security is the human factor. Minister Rohee highlighted that Government can spend large sums on boosting security but the resources can easily malfunction if someone tampers with them.
He noted that Government will use every tool at its disposal including polygraph technology to maintain security. He alluded to the fact that previously security personnel were screened using this method.
The presence of narcotics affects the tourism sector since innocent travellers are put at risk. Minister Rohee highlighted that the tourism sector has to be vigilant in this exercise.
He posited that international cooperation is essential and Government has been enhancing its human resources capacity through training. Additionally, Guyana is party to many international agreements that are geared towards stamping out this activity.
Besides trafficking in narcotics, other challenges faced by airports include usage of false identification, smugglers of persons as distinct from trafficking in persons for commercial reasons and terrorist threats.
Minister Rohee stated that the workshop was timely and will be useful to stakeholders.
Minister Benn, expressing similar sentiments to that of Minister Rohee, stated that the frequency of occurrence of the events needs to be eliminated, especially in relation to the trafficking in narcotics.
He noted that the frequency and quantity should not happen and that it appears that only 10 percent of what is going out is noticed.

He highlighted that Guyana is not a producer or user and the country is affected by narcotics. Minister Benn indicated that this matter has to be dealt with effectively.
“We had a Transportation Security Administration Review of the airport and its operations here by the US Transportation Authority where, in terms of their review, indicated that our measures and interventions were adequate,” Minister Benn stated.
He posited that adequate is not sufficient and all parties involved must strive to improve the entity’s security.
Ghir noted that recently the security of the airport in terms of narcotics has been in the press. He stated that the airport has adequate security but in an effort to make it more effective the workshop was being held.