MORE THAN a year after major security surveys revealed acute deficiencies at the nation's two international airports, tighter controls have been implemented.

But the airports still have vulnerable areas that need to be addressed.

After the audit - a collaborative effort between the ministries of National Security and Transport and Works - was completed in late August last year, recommendations were sent to the airport operators - MBJ Airports Limited, operators of the Sangster International Airport, and NMIA Airports Limited, operators of the Norman Manley International Airport.

addressing weaknesses

The leader of the audit team, a senior official from the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) who requested anonymity for security reasons, told The Sunday Gleaner that the airport operators were required to formulate a corrective action plan outlining short-, medium- and long-term measures geared at addressing the weaknesses highlighted in the report.

"There have been improvements because we have been working on it," the JCAA explained.

"A few (of the issues) have been closed out, but several still need to be addressed," said the team leader, who pointed out that the recent expansion at both airports had created greater security needs.

Since the inspection was conducted last year, the airport operators and the JCAA have "gone through three reviews of the corrective action plan", and a follow-up audit was conducted last month at the Sangster airport.

new detection system

The lead security inspector revealed that new cameras and a detection system had been installed since the caustic report was submitted.

Tomlin Scarlett, president of the Board of Airline Representatives of Jamaica - the body that represents all airlines and handling companies that operate on the island - also said that there had been improvements but believed there was "still a great deal to be done".

"It's not quite at an acceptable standard, but we are trying to work with what we have," Scarlett said.

still paying fines

He added that airlines were still paying fines for narcotics found on-board flights from Jamaica or among unclaimed baggage. But Scarlett said there had been a reduction in the number of times that drugs had been found on flights from Jamaica.

Lieutenant Commander John McFarlane, director of aviation security at NMIA Airports Limited, told The Sunday Gleaner that security measures at the Norman Manley airport were tougher now.

"We are intent on eliminating the movement of drugs through our airports. By any means necessary, we will continue to hit them where it hurts," McFarlane said.

He added, "The perimeter fence has been secure; there are no more holes in it and the perimeter is being patrolled more frequently."

tyrone.reid@gleanerjm.com

Breaches at KINGSTON

Poor access control ...

"Which allowed persons to circumvent and access the airside without being screened through customs and operator's cargo facilities."

"Inconsistent screening standards at vehicular and pedestrian access control points."

Flaw in security screening

"Lack of employer job history verification and security screening, compounded by (a ) lack of positive vetting by the police."

Cargo facilities and security

"They do not have an approved cargo-security programme ... ."

Air link cargo

"Persons were not screened before given access to the ramp. Screening inconsistencies were also seen as staff members were only screened once on arrival at work."

Breaches at Montego Bay

Terminal Security

There were no security guards on the piers. Airport authorities said none was needed because the areas were covered by surveillance cameras ... "But, there are flaws with the CCTV system ... effective surveillance is limited."

In-bond shops

In-bond shops close to departure gates facilitate the movement of contraband ... "Operators and staff move contraband to airport locations and at an opportune time move it to their intended location on the airside."

Night survey

"Inadequate lighting was the major flaw found on the western region of the airside. Approximately five utility poles each fitted with eight lamps were not functioning ... ."

Perimeter vulnerable

I Am Jet Centre (private aircraft operator facility)

"The perimeter is very vulnerable. There were holes in the fence, the fence was too low in places and also not anchored in the ground so items could be pushed under ... ."

Inadequate screening

Air Jamaica Cargo (Export Centre) - "Inconsistency in security checks carried out to access the airside. Some vehicles were not screened ... . Sections of the fencing at the cargo centre had holes."

Major lapses in security at the island's two international airports a year ago prompted a government-commissioned report, completed on August 27, 2008. The report obtained by The Sunday Gleaner under the Access to Information Act gives a detailed account of chronic security deficiencies at the Norman Manley and Sangster international airports. It also recommended corrective measures - some of which have already been implemented.