GAIA to conduct simulation exercise

Don’t be alarmed if you hear sirens and see emergency vehicles heading to the Grantley Adams International Airport sometime next month.

That’s because it could be a simulation exercise.

It’s aimed at beefing up safety protocols and ensuring the Airport continues to comply with a number of international standards and regulatory requirements.

Working in conjunction with the Department of Emergency Management, the exercise, known as a full-scale exercise, is planned for a date in October that is deliberately not being disclosed.

This is to ensure its integrity and authenticity, and to adequately test the response system of the Airport and other entities.

This was revealed during a press conference where Chief Executive Officer of GAIA Inc. Hadley Bourne stressed that the safety and security of passengers, staff and stakeholders is of paramount importance.

He reiterated the exercise will be a simulation but noted it could have some impact on traffic flows at the time it occurs.

Acknowledging that all of the island’s emergency service providers will be taking part, he has also urged members of the public not to be alarmed when it takes place.

Meanwhile, Captain Robert Harewood of the Department of Emergency Management sought to further explain what might happen during the simulation exercise.

Members of the public are also being advised that should an authentic emergency occur at the same time, the exercise will be promptly halted.

Additionally, any communications about genuine emergencies will be prominently marked with “No Duff” to indicate that it is not a drill.

About The Author