Aviation Security Training Comes to an End
By Suelika N. Buchanan
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Participants of the course posing with the Facilitator of the workshop Mark Emerson, OAS Representative Starret Greene, Superintendent Ivor Blake and Minister of National Security Dwyer Astaphan
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(Basseterre; St. Kitts): The Organisation of American States (OAS), Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (CICTE) Secretariat and the Government of St Kitts and Nevis in collaboration with the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) conducted a course in Aviation Security Training held in St Kitts at the NEMA Headquarters from 25th September – 5th October 2007.
The Graduating ceremony was held last Friday, Oct. 5, at the NEMA Headquarters and featured remarks by Facilitator Mark Emerson who gave training on Transportation Security Administration and Starret Greene the representative from OAS gave closing remarks.
The course addressed concepts and principles of managing aviation security operations within the unique environment of an international airport.
The course content was based on International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and recommended practices, and focused on protection of passengers, crew, ground personnel, the general public, aircraft, and airport facilities.
Some of the subjects covered include ICAO standards and recommended practices, the threat to civil aviation, security program development, security surveys and inspections, access control, physical security, passenger screening, screening checked baggage, cargo, mail, and catering, human factors, human factors training, and crisis management.
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A section of the participants at the closing ceremony for the Aviation Security Training Workshop. SKNVibes.com Photos/Suelika N. Buchanan
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At the conclusion of the training, participants were given a comprehensive understanding of aviation and airport security concepts, techniques, and procedures.
The training was highly interactive and was performance based.
Greene said that the purpose for the workshop was to ensure that there are cadres of trained human resources who are equipped to administer, manage and protect airport facilities. Adding that particularly in an environment where security permeates every level of operation and that qualified people is an organization’s most important asset.
"I am sure you will agree that the words safety and security go hand in hand. They are like two hands which make it possible to clap," he said. "The critical point of the argument I wish to now advance is that safety in the skies would be meaningless without security on the ground."
In closing he thanked the participants for taking part in the course on behalf of the OAS.
"I am satisfied that you are better equipped now than when you started. I take great comfort in knowing that this twin-island Federation, this region, this Hemisphere and indeed the World will be a safer place," he said. "Because you are now members of a growing force of security personnel around the world, who are committed to keeping citizens of every country and on every continent safe and secure - whether they are in the air, on the high seas or on the ground."
~~Adz:Left~~ Minister of National Security, Immigration and Labour, Hon. G.A Dwyer Astaphan was also present at the ceremony and delivered the key note address.
In his address he highlighted how important it was for trained personnel to observe human behavior especially at the Airport and said that the best resource in security is always human resource.
"No matter what equipments you may have, they wouldn't be able to spot human erratic behavior like another human being can," he said. "Are we alert? Trained? Committed? You have to have your wits and also continue training."
Presentations of Certificates were made to the 17 participants who came from the St. Christopher Air & Sea Ports Authority, Nevis Air & Sea Ports Authority, St. Kitts & Nevis Defence Force, St. Christopher & Nevis Police Force and the St. Kitts Customs Excise.
Superintendent Ivor Blake was the Course Coordinator.
