Management and staff of the Grantley Adams International Airport Inc. (GAIA), as well as airline partners, have been urged not to "become faint or weary when it comes to the issue of airport security."

This advice has come from International Transport Minister, George Hutson. According to him, the?? recent Strengthening of the Airport Security project and acquisition of the?? IONSCAN 500DT,?? the latest trace detector?? scanning equipment?? which can detect drugs and explosives simultaneously, are just examples of the initiatives?? and efforts which are required to keep Barbados "on the cutting edge of airport security and safety."

Speaking at GAIA’s recent Anniversary Awards Ceremony, Minister Hutson said Safety Awareness Workshops had also been held during the past six months, with over 300 airport workers having benefitted from the training.

"I applaud this activity, as well as the initiative to create an on-line safety certification programme. To date, more than 90 persons from various airport entities have been certified using this medium," the Minister added, while commending the Board and Management team for their commitment toward the training and development of staff at all levels.

??Congratulating special awardees,?? and exhorting them to keep giving of their best, especially in the current "trying times,"?? Minister Hutson?? explained the constant threat of terrorist acts and the instability in?? oil prices, had created an environment in the aviation industry, where new challenges arose rapidly and many old ones remained to confront them.

??"There is an increasing awareness of security and safety issues which has impacted airport design and planning; equipment design and application of new technologies; energy and environmental concerns and the need for continuous staff training and education. All of this is at a time of global financial instability and when funding of needed developmental programmes and projects is limited," the Minister observed.??cgaskin@barbados.gov.bb

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