Denise Reid, Freelance Writer
An aerial view of the Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, St James on Friday, February 2, 2007. - file
WESTERN BUREAU:
The operators of the Sangster International Airport, MBJ Airports Limited, have undertaken several improvements to the security system at the facility in Montego Bay, St James, following several breaches recently.
At a forum hosted last week Friday, MBJ's vice-president of operations, Vincent Miller, disclosed that his company was considering installing a motion-sensor-type camera system to detect and prevent further intrusions.
Miller said there was now tighter screening at check points; closed-circuit televisions installed across the entire facility; and, a holding-bag screening system, which enables screening of every piece of luggage. He pointed out that the improvements had been made as part of a US$103 million development plan for the airport.
"(It is a move that) will give us better security for the travelling public as well as better corporate and airline security. It is part of our due diligence as an airport and will contribute to the airport as a whole," said Miller.
Tarmac breach
Last week Tuesday, a man said to be of unsound mind reportedly wandered on to the tarmac at the airport in his quest, reportedly, to go to the United Kingdom. The man reportedly gained entry from a section of Kent Avenue, popularly known as 'Dead End'.
Less than a month before, two boys - ages seven and eight, respectively - had to be removed from the airstrip after entering the runway from the same Dead End road. The children, who were seen chasing after planes taking off, were reportedly blown to the ground twice by the force of the planes' powerful engines.
Miller revealed plans for the implementation of a safety-management system for employees in the requisite aviation safety protocol, which will be designed for the training of all employees in safety protocol, pending Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority approval.
The MBJ executive also outlined plans for a proper environment and health-management programme that would include provisions for birds and other wildlife.
The airport's environmental health and safety manager, Orville Grey, said a greenhouse gas emissions inventory of airport facilities and fleets had been developed.