Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 08, 2020 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs): The Civil Aviation Division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Department of Information Technology is pleased to announce the launch of its new website and reporting system. This is in keeping with the requirements and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the governing body for civil aviation globally. As a signatory to the Chicago Convention that speaks to Civil Aviation Security, Saint Kitts and Nevis is mandated to safeguard the aerodrome, passengers, crew, and ground personnel in all matters related to civil aviation from acts of unlawful interference.
The main objective of this website is to provide a medium where any person can make reports or provide feedback regarding any occurrence and/or experience while arriving at or departing from any of the two airports within the Federation, namely: the Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw International Airport and the Vance Amory International Airport. Provisions will be made for persons reporting to remain anonymous but will include an option for those who wish to be identified.
Remarking on this initiative, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Aviation, Honourable Mark Brantley, stated “Covid-19 has taught us the importance of conducting operations online. I am pleased that this website provides a new avenue for our stakeholders to interact with the Civil Aviation Division. As Covid-19 has propelled the world into an advanced technological era, the launch of this website comes at a very crucial time.”
The website will also be equipped with pertinent information geared towards sensitizing and educating residents and visitors, including Travel Tips, Safety Rules, Aviation Legislation, FAQs and COVID-19 Guidelines. Created with a user-friendly experience in mind, visitors to the site can not only report but also access information about the functions and duties of the Civil Aviation Division.
For further information and to view our website, persons are encouraged to visit www.civilaviation.kn.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 08, 2020 (SKNIS): As of October 18, 2020, access to the Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw (RLB) International Airport in St. Kitts will be restricted to persons conducting legitimate business only.
This was according to the Honourable Lindsay Grant, Minister of Tourism and Ports during a media tour on October 07, 2020, aimed at updating the media and the general public on the COVID-19 Retrofit Works at the airport.
“Access to the airport would be restricted to persons with documented evidence and proof of the need to transact business at the airport, [as well as restricted to] airport staff on schedule with identification and passengers with the relevant travel documentation. This means that the National Bank Airport Outlet and the Sky Grill Restaurant will no longer be serving the local community,” said Minister Grant, “Only the NEOC [National Emergency Operation Centre] and SKTA [St. Kitts Tourism Authority] approved taxis and tour operating buses would be allowed on the compound in limited quantities, and parking would not be allowed for private vehicles – only passengers drop off allowed.”
Minister Grant indicated that the canopy area will be reserved for passengers who are departing, therefore, no vehicular traffic will be allowed in that area.
Access to the airport compound will not be allowed if persons are not wearing masks.
“Exempt persons must present relevant medical certification of exemption to be allowed not to wear the mask,” he said. “Additionally, the relevant signage would be installed including physical distance stickers on the seating and the flooring. Video infomercials would be displayed throughout the facility, security patrols intensified, and staff would be equipped with the necessary PPE’s [Personal Protective Equipment].”
The minister said that COVID-19 has affected every fabric of society. He added that it was important to introduce the necessary changes.
“COVID-19 has undoubtedly changed the way that we operate. The RLB International Airport is certainly no exception. And so, to ensure the safety of our people and to comply with the ICAO standards, SCASPA, with the input of the airport stakeholders, has effected changes to its operation protocols,” said Minister Grant. “These operating protocols remain very fluid and, of course, subject to change as the National COVID-19 Protocols change.”
Although the noted changes would impact users of the airport, the services will be available to persons working at the airport.
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