The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda welcomed an update on the continued strengthening of emergency response, safety and aviation security capabilities at the V.C. Bird International Airport
including the provision of new emergency-response equipment and a further commitment of support from Allen & Co.
Cabinet was informed that two emergency vehicles are being handed over to the airport, providing additional resources to strengthen the ability of firefighters, emergency medical personnel and other airport emergency-response teams to respond rapidly and effectively when required.
The investment reflects the importance placed on ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda’s principal international gateway is equipped with reliable emergency-response resources capable of supporting the safe operation of the airport and protecting passengers, employees and other users of the facility.
During the presentation, Allen & Co. emphasised that its relationship with Antigua and Barbuda extends beyond the procurement and delivery of equipment.
The company recalled an earlier occasion when the airport required additional rescue capability and Allen & Co. responded by donating a Jaws of Life rescuetool to ensure that emergency personnel had the necessary equipment available when needed.
The company stressed that effective partnership requires being responsive when a need arises and ensuring that equipment supplied to an airport is appropriate for its operating environment.
Cabinet welcomed this approach and noted that the acquisition of specialised emergency equipment must be accompanied by proper training, maintenance, technical support and reliable access to replacement parts.
The Government considers these factors especially important in a small-island environment, where shipping, technical resources, maintenance requirements and long-term sustainability must be considered when investments in specialised equipment are made.
Cabinet also welcomed the announcement by Allen & Co. that it will donate an XRC 60-40 X-ray screening machine to the V.C. Bird International Airport.
The additional screening equipment will support the airport as it moves into the next phase of strengthening and modernising its aviation-security operations.
The donation is expected to provide security personnel with an additional technological resource to support their work and enhance the airport’s existing screening capabilities.
Cabinet noted that emergency preparedness and aviation security are complementary components of maintaining a safe and efficient international airport. As technology changes and international safety and security requirements continue to evolve, Antigua and Barbuda must continue investing in the systems, equipment and human resources necessary to meet those requirements.
Allen & Co. also encouraged the personnel who will operate the new emergency-response equipment to train with it, become thoroughly familiar with its operation and maintain it properly so that it remains ready whenever required.
The company outlined an approach based on first understanding an airport’s actual operational requirements, identifying equipment suited to those requirements, supporting its acquisition and delivery, assisting those responsible for operating it, and remaining involved throughout the equipment’s working life.
Cabinet endorsed the emphasis on training and sustainability, noting that acquiring equipment is only one component of strengthening national capability. Ensuring that personnel are properly trained and that equipment remains serviceable and supported over the long term is equally important.
Cabinet expressed appreciation to Allen & Co. for its continued support and partnership with Antigua and Barbuda, including the latest commitment to donate the X-ray screening equipment.
The Cabinet also commended the V.C. Bird International Airport Authority (ABAA), airport firefighters, emergency medical personnel, security officers and other employees whose work contributes daily to maintaining the safety, security and efficient operation of the airport.
The Government will continue supporting investments designed to strengthen emergency preparedness and aviation security at V.C. Bird International Airport, recognising the airport’s critical importance to Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry, economy and international connectivity.
Cabinet noted that there is much to be proud of in the continued development of V.C. Bird International Airport, while recognising that its safety and security capabilities must continue to evolve.
The Government therefore remains committed to ensuring that the airport is properly equipped, its personnel appropriately trained and its emergency and security systems continually strengthenedto meet both present and future requirements.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Cabinet Welcomes Strengthening of Emergency Response and Security Capabilities at V.C. Bird International Airport.