Basseterre, St. Kitts (4 December, 2018) – Two (2) officers of the Civil Aviation Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Aviation, Messrs Griffin and Jordon, are in Dominica to deliver Screener Certification Training to the Dominica Air & Sea Ports Authority (DASPA).

DASPA had initially requested the officers to conduct the training during the third quarter of 2017, but plans had to be postponed on account of the devastating effects of Hurricanes Irma and Maria on Dominica and surrounding islands.

Mr. Griffin has approximately ten (10) years experience working in the field of aviation as an Inspector and Civil Aviation Officer. He has trained personnel in the area of aviation security from a wide array of departments in St Kitts and Nevis. Mr. Jordon is also an inspector and trainer and since joining the Ministry has received the necessary training which has equipped him with the relevant skills and expertise, which he can now impart to others.

Based on International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and recommended practices, the course will focus on screening the first line of defense against terrorism in international aviation. The expected outcome is to develop a cadre of qualified screeners by ICAO standards. More specifically, screeners’ ability to detect threat items using x-ray machines, metal detection portals, physical search techniques and explosive trace detection technologies will be greatly enhanced.

The training commenced on Monday, December 3, 2018 and will conclude on Friday, December 07, 2018 at the training room of DASPA.

Hon. Mark Brantley, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Aviation, remarked, “I am extremely proud of Messrs. Griffin and Jordon and for the fact that the region has considered our officers as sufficiently qualified and competent to conduct training in their territory”.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Aviation wishes the officers a successful training session and hopes the objectives will be achieved.