Security top priority, all systems in place – as Ogle International Airport accommodates regional flights
Written by Leroy Smith – Tuesday, 23 July 2013 23:34
MONDAY, July 22, marked the official landing of regional flights at the Ogle International Airport (OIA); and the Government of Guyana, the private sector, and stakeholders of the OIA are putting in place systems to ensure that security at the facility is what it should be.
In an interview with this newspaper on Monday, OIA Security Consultant Harold Hopkinson explained that the airport management has already written Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell, seeking to have established at the Ogle Airport a police outpost, construction and furnishing of which will be paid for by the airport management.
Hopkinson disclosed that the OIA has learnt from the experiences of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in respect to its faults and successes, and will be considering those experiences very strongly in delivering its services.
He added that the OIA is equipped with approximately 32 security cameras which run for 24 hours, and there is a backup system in place. Moreover, if something goes wrong, there is a system that facilitates review of footage. Additionally, the OIA has the capability to monitor activities at both air and landside.
There is also a sniffer dog which would sense and identify suspicious items at the airport. The OIA has, moreover, been assured of constant and adequate police patrols in the area.
Meanwhile, speaking at a short press conference held on Monday, Transport Minister Robeson Benn explained that all the national security agencies are present at the OIA, including the police, customs and immigration. The minister assured that all necessary systems have been catered for prior to the landing of the first regional flight on Monday; and assured that all steps have been taken to ensure there are premium security arrangements which speak to safety and security of the facility at Ogle.
Minister Benn said there will be cases in which persons would attempt to test the system by committing illegal acts; therefore, the existing systems would be constantly reviewed, upgraded, and improved where necessary.
Already, there exists a system whereby Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee chairs a monthly security meeting with all responsible heads and personnel for the various airports in the country. It was also pointed out that all the requirements that are needed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport are also needed at Ogle.
Minister Benn used Monday’s opportunity to acknowledge the efforts and interest put in by former president Dr Bharrat Jagdeo and Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh to realise OIA’s milestone on Monday.