Seminar
Meanwhile in late July, Minister Ferguson headed a small delegation to Trinidad for a two-day “Insider Threat” seminar hosted by the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS) and the U.S. - Transportation Security Administration (US-TSA).
The seminar saw the attendance of several high-level officials which included Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Director Generals, and Aviation Professionals from countries within the Caribbean, and the North and South American Region such as the U.S.A; Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, Suriname, Curacao, and Haiti.
Also in attendance were representatives of key stakeholders such as LIAT, Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL), JetBlue and Piarco International Airport.
Participants of the seminar were introduced and sensitised to new and emerging threats which can adversely affect civil international aviation operations within the Region. Of particular interest were insider threats which can evolve from among persons or employees within the various organisations operating within the aviation sector, particularly within the environments of the international airports; and which can challenge current aviation security systems.
Furthermore, participants have committed to develop and implement appropriate measures and policies that will seek to maintain and safeguard civil aviation operations from such threats. This will entail making improvements to the screening and verification process for existing employees, applicants, and new recruits that are employed in the aviation sector.
Minister Ferguson has echoed similar views in which she has given her commitment to ensuring that Guyana implements the appropriate measures that will ensure ICAO’s compliance and prevent or mitigate against new and emerging threats to Civil Aviation operations in Guyana.
CASSOS and the U.S.-TSA are planning to have follow-up workshops and discussions with the various national authorities so that this growing area of concern can be diligently addressed.
