– commits to maintaining a safe environment
THE Ministry of Public Works and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) have reportedly lowered the threat level at the airport from high to moderate as of Saturday last.
Both agencies said in a joint statement yesterday that the lowering of the threat level is indicative “that officials no longer think that a disruption is imminent.”Giving a background into what triggered the ‘high alert’ mode in the first place, CJIA said: “A telephone call was received in Barbados in connection with a specific threat to a Caribbean Airlines (CAL) flight scheduled for Monday, February 10, 2014.”
That call, CJIA said, not only “triggered a full-scale security response to ensure the safety of passengers, airport employees and aircraft,” but also saw the minister responsible for Transport, Mr. Robeson Benn, summoning an emergency meeting with key stakeholders and high level security officials on Saturday, February 8, 2014 to evaluate the threat, and put in place the necessary security measures to neutralise it.”
Though CAL has since advised there was minimal disruption to their flight operations, which are now back to normal, CJIA says “law enforcement officers are vigorously following up on leads from their Barbadian counterparts to pinpoint the origin of the call.”
It also reports that Minister Benn has given all assurances that despite the lowered threat level, stringent security measures at CJIA will remain in place.
In conclusion, CJIA says “The Ministry and Airport Corporation would like to thank all the security agencies and stakeholders for their support in maintaining a safe environment, and the passengers for their cooperation and assistance.”