Jamaica Gleaner
Published: Wednesday | April 22, 2009
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Gleaner readers continue to discuss Sunday night's hijacking of a plane in Montego Bay. Here's a sample of the discussion taking place on www.gleanerblogs.com

Marsha:

I was driving to school early Monday morning in London when I heard about the hijacking on BBC news. I was obviously shocked! It is unfortunate. Thank God it's not worse. I am praying this hasn't marred Jamaica anymore than we have already been. Jamaica has been enjoying good press coverage since Usain Bolt and the feeling was good. I hope Stephen Fray gets the help he needs.

Well done to Bruce Golding for sorting out the passengers with hotel accommodation at Holiday Inn and having a quick press conference for damage control. It has worked as we watched excellent coverage within 24 hours of the incident happening on BBC, NBC, ABC and Fox News about no one being hurt and situation under control.

Sammy The Rhuler:

I doubt it's a matter of which plane gives the easiest access, or if it's a case where Jamaican airports are not secured. Remember, the airport in Montego Bay is privately operated by MBJ Airports Limited and, as such, security arrangements are totally their undertaking. If it was a state-run body, then all accusations of neglect could be levelled at the Jamaican Government.

Pablo:

More than murders in Montego Bay this year so far and now the security disgrace at the airport convince me in the UK not to visit Jamaica again until it is sorted. The Jamaican attitude of 'No problem' cannot be condoned any more. You have a serious problem which will not go away and, without rectification, will destroy your holiday trade.

Kevin Forge:

Bob, talk to a psychiatrist please. 'Mad' is a vastly different diagnoses from Brain Dead. A man can be quite mad and still execute a complex plan to achieve his insane goals.

In Jamaica, unlike the US, being deemed insane does not keep one out of prison on a serious charge. What it does is cause the judge to order that mental care be delivered while you are held in custody for a set number of years.

Ommugabe:

If the plane 'jacking was indeed an inside job (mad bwoy use false staff ID) then such an incident can easily happen again anywhere! Inside jobs are the hardest to guard against because they require multiple checks and double checks of each staff member to ensure that a new staff member does not sneak by with arms.

www.gleanerblogs.com

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