As a resident of Montego Bay and one who travels through its airport fairly regularly, I feel the need to point out that many persons, including Prime Minister Golding, are of the notion that the airport security is adequate, and even superior to other places.
Their evidence: We have not had a hijacking before. Well, that's because nobody has tried one before. It certainly is not the case that such actions are impossible. It is also quite ironic that there are so many who tout the development of the Sangster International Airport into a "world-class" facility, but don't seem ready to take responsibility for all of what comes with being a major travel hub in the Caribbean. This security breach is yet another example of how development regularly takes precedence over planning in this country.
Regardless of the claims being made about his mental capacities, Stephen Fray clearly knew where the weak points were. Indeed, if you walk through those long halls enough times and know enough security officers, you can figure these out for yourselves.
Idly talking and laughing
There are the security guards who are standing by, idly talking and laughing, while their colleagues are beleaguered with searching passengers. There are security officers who are off-duty but can be seen and heard 'hailin' up dem bredren' and engaging in pleasantries that are clearly intended to help them ease into whatever it is they were planning to do outside of their scheduled work time.
I am etc.,
Verna Kitson
verna.kitson@gmail.com
Montego Bay