BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – OVER the past several years, the use of drones for recreational and professional purposes within the Federation has gained popularity and Aviation Minister the Hon. Mark Brantley has indicated that sometime in the future, legislation could be enacted to govern their use.
Late last week, Brantley was making his contribution to the Budget 2017 debate when he spoke of the issue which he said is of concern.
“…It may sound simple but I believe all of us now…see these unmanned drones in the air flying over us. We see them at carnival, we see them at political meetings…gatherings. In fact, I think…we had a bit of a concern recently because some one came off one the cruise ships docked at Port Zante with a big…bag on their back and they came, set up a drone right there at Port Zante… No permission, no anything.”
In addition to official concerns, Brantley said a member of his immediately family had an encounter with a drone
“We have a situation and I would make it a little personal because my own wife told me that she was at home on the porch and she heard a buzzing sound, looked up only to realise that a drone was above her head. What they looking for I don’t know. I hope they didn’t find it but they were there.”
The Aviation Minister said these gadgets are being used for commercial and purposes of pleasure but they can if their use is not regulated, they can be used as tools of mischief, which can have catastrophic consequences.
“It can be a tool for great mischief…and so we have decided that we must come up with some rules and regulations affecting the use of drones. For example…it may sound simple but God forbid that a drone is mounted too close RLB or Vance Amory (International Airports)…it could lead to catastrophe is somehow there is a collision with an aircraft. So it is not purely academic.
Brantley informed that some ground work is already being done insofar as research is concerned.
“There are issues of privacy for people and so we must now need to look at it critically and I’m very pleased that we have already looked at what is happening in places like Singapore and other countries and we have cobbled together something and we have sent to the Hon. Attorney General (and) asked the guidance of his team and I would ask that my colleagues support this initiative when it comes because it is an important initiative.”
In the meantime however, the Aviation Minister advised those who already possess drones, to use them with a high degree of responsibility.
“And so for those out there who have drones already, we are asking you to be responsible and not to have them flying anywhere close to any airport or any flight path.
“We are also asking please don’t use your drone to mind your neighbour’s business. Be responsible. In the fullness of time, I am sure our security forces might also want to look at that…to determine whether or not there are any benefits to be derived. But it is a serious matter and I want the House and the nation to know that we are looking at it seriously.”
