CJIA holds full-scale emergency drill testing response and coordination

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) successfully conducted a planned full-scale emergency exercise on Wednesday, commencing at approximately 09:00 hrs.

The drill was carried out in collaboration with key national security and emergency response agencies.

The simulation was staged within the Arrivals area and other sections of the airport. It was designed to test the airport’s emergency response procedures, communication systems, and critical inter-agency coordination.

The exercise involved the activation of an alarm and the initiation of a terminal-wide lockdown, followed by the activation of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).

This controlled environment allowed participating agencies to assess their readiness and operational effectiveness.

CJIA’s Security Director, Mr. Manmohan Balram, stated that the exercise was a tremendous success. He noted that it offered a valuable opportunity to evaluate response capabilities, strengthen coordination, and reinforce CJIA’s commitment to maintaining a safe and secure airport environment.

Deputy Superintendent and Officer-in-Charge of the Timehri Police Station, Clifton Davis, noted that a key responsibility during the exercise was coordinating the movement of emergency teams on the ground.

He was quoted saying, “This exercise provided an important opportunity to test our response structure in real time and ensure that all units can mobilize quickly and effectively when required.”

Mr. Errol Watts, Deputy Commissioner of Police – Operations, highlighted that participating personnel demonstrated a strong understanding of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

He emphasized the importance of continuous assessments to ensure timely, and effective responses to any potential threat.

Agencies involved in the exercise included the Guyana Police Force, Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Tactical Services Unit, Customs, Immigration, Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Ministry of Health, and other airport stakeholders.

CJIA stated that these exercises align with international aviation standards and are essential for strengthening national emergency response capabilities, ensuring the highest levels of safety and security for all passengers, staff, and stakeholders.

Regular airport operations continued safely throughout the exercise, and the public was not at risk.