ANTIGUA & BARBUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY

The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) yesterday (Wednesday) held a table top drill with key stakeholders in an attempt to further improve emergency mobilization and response in any such eventualities.

Representatives from the Fire Department, The Police, The Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force, EMS Services, MSJMC, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NODs, Airlines, Air Traffic Control, The Red Cross as well as Officials from the Airport Authority all converged in the ATC Conference Room at the V.C. Bird International Airport.

The Table Top Drill exercise revisited the “Paradise Lost” scenario from the Disaster simulation exercise of March 2004.

The purpose of the exercise was mainly to comply with the requirement for a mandatory exercise every 2 years. Further, it provided an opportunity to test the efficiency of responders and stakeholders, the coordination of all participants, and evaluate performances with a view towards making recommendations for improvements.

Exercise Coordinator Mr. Deverel Forde, says that although it is not the first time that an exercise such as this has been planned, he is quite happy at the turn-out as it signifies the importance that each agency has attached to the process.

Minister responsible for Civil Aviation Hon. John Maginley was particularly concerned that all the partners were represented.

“This exercise prepares us as well for the onset of the Winter Tourist Season when the airport is at its busiest and all precautions to ensure the safety of all our visitors and patrons at the airport must be taken and security must be at its peak.”

He continued, “I salute and urge all stakeholders involved to continue the process of edification thereby lessening the chances of error in a field where safety and efficiency at all times is of paramount importance.”

The exercise was presided over by Mr. Philmore Mullin of the National Office of Disasters Services (NODS) who recommended that the exercise be extended to twice yearly and should cover incidents involving aircraft that may occur outside of the parameters of the airport.