A matter that continues to spread concern in Anguilla’s tourism sector is the present downgrade of the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport. As a result of that downgrade, the operations there are only for aircraft of a certain size, weight, and capacity, thus severely limiting passenger movements to the island.
But, according to a renewed commitment from the Minister of Communications, Mr. Curtis Richardson, the situation is expected to return to normal by the coming tourist season when all of the island’s hotels, guest houses, and villas will be in full swing for the arriving tourists. Most notably, the expected fully-restored airport will facilitate the planned additional flights, in November, by Seaborne Airlines from the Puerto Rico hub providing more connections and access to Anguilla for travellers from across the US mainland.
The Minister gave the positive update on the situation at the airport on Tuesday, this week, while replying to a question – in the Anguilla House of Assembly – from the Leader of the Opposition, Ms. Palmavon Webster. She asked him: Why was the status of the airport not maintained to international standards, with the consequences that its status has now been downgraded?
In his reply, Mr. Richardson gave a comprehensive explanation of what led to the downgrading of the airport and what remedial actions were now being pursued. He then gave this assurance to the Opposition Leader and the listening public: “The Minister’s and the Board’s commitment is to restoring the airport not only to its best possible regulatory status but…to making the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport truly international with significant airlift activity. We are working and have employed the necessary support…to navigate these turbulent waters. Rest assured that by the commencement of the tourism season we will do all within our ability, and with the help of the Almighty, to regain our status without limitations. Yes, I believe we will make the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport an airport that meets and exceeds standards.”
Replying specifically to the Opposition Leader’s question, the Minister outlined some of the findings by the officials of Air Safety Support International (ASSI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the UK Civil Aviation Authority, as follows: “Mr. Speaker…the findings had nothing to do with political interference or the Board’s interference namely:
• One of the air conditioning units in the Air Traffic Control Tower [was] not fully working. Apparently the electricity needed to be connected.
• Calibration of the functioning of the Wind Display System at the Air Traffic Control Tower.
• Reconciliation of the database and issuance Log Book for security permits. In essence the managers of the Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority (AASPA) could not tell ASSI how many security permits were issued.
• Criminal Record Checks to be documented clearly. In essence the managers had to get the police to confirm that the persons issued passes and working at the airport were not criminals.
• Completion of all employment history checks.
• General Security Awareness Training for non-security personnel. Apparently there was to be security awareness training…and this was not done. Nobody in the political directorate told them not to undertake the security awareness training for the non-security personnel, and I can safely say nobody from the Board told them so either.
• Failure to check the inspector’s bag at the security check- point. The security officers ought to follow their protocols and check persons as they pass through the secure areas of the airport every single time. This is not a friendship club.
• Reconciliation of the Key Registry. Keys ought to be labelled and accounted for in a log book. No Minister can be blamed for these findings and I can safely say nobody from the Board can be blamed either.
“In summary, the areas of non-compliance were at two levels including screening of hold and cabin baggage entering the Security Restricted Areas; screening of staff and other non-passengers; controlling and administering a permit system; screening of vehicles on the airside areas; general protection of the airside of the airport and restriction of access to navigational facilities.”
Mr. Richardson said that the officials of ASSI had requested the “accountable officer”, in June, this year, to ensure that all of the various concerns were addressed. However, at a follow-up visit in August it was recognised that “a number of the findings and deficiencies were still open, and that findings and deficiencies that they were given the assurance would be closed, were in fact still open or had reopened.” He said it was at that point that he had received communication that the airport, having been put “on notice” in April, was facing further complications regarding its status. “I am appalled that the accountable officer, when given the opportunity to redress a number of straightforward findings and deficiencies, sought only to relay an inclination for the suspension of the aerodrome certificate until all regulatory matters are closed,” he added.
Minister Richardson said he was now pleased with the direct intervention of the Chairman, Mr. Marcel Fahie, and the others on the Airport Board, to correct all of the pressing matters. “I applaud them for the open and transparent way that they are going about the resolution of this matter,” he told the House of Assembly. “ASSI has come back in short order [saying], ‘We are pleased to received confirmation that the Board has decided to directly intervene with the management of the airport to correct the present situation and fulfil the requirements that led to the airport being put ‘on notice’ back in April – almost four months ago.”’
Considering all the difficulties, the Minister, now looking forward to the coming upgrading and restoration of the airport, added: “It is a miracle that we still have an operational airport!”
