Prime Minster Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has refuted claims that the Argyle International Airport (AIA) has failed a recent test by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
The Prime Minister who is overseas on official business called home to address questions raised by Dwight ‘Bing’ Joseph on Boom FM Friday, indicating that he had received information from a US based source claiming the AIA had failed a TSA test.
Dr. Gonsalves called the Shake-Up program on Friday afternoon (March 17th) to indicate that, among other things, the TSA conducted a debriefing session for the AIA, adding that it was not an inspection, as is being rumoured in certain circles.
The Prime Minister also said the review was not a pass or fail situation, noting that it is not the first time the TSA has conducted a debriefing at ports in SVG.
PM reiterated that the rumour of a failed test is “not true”. He says the TSA gave positive feedback about their visit to AIA.
He further pointed that it is the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation (ECCA) and not the TSA who has the authority to approve operations at the AIA.
Gonsalves also said he welcomes a discussion on security at AIA in light of recent acts of vandalism in the bathroom area at the new airport and the view of persons who, he says, believe they are of a certain exempt category are opposed to security checks.
TSA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that has authority over the security of the travelling public in the United States. It was created as a response to the September 11, 2001, attacks.
Listen to Gonsalves speak on the hot topic from Qatar.
