THE Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) in collaboration with key response agencies successfully conducted a Full-Scale Simulation exercise at the George FL Charles Airport (GFLC) on November 8, 2019.
The exercise, which is a mandatory safety requirement stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) must be conducted every two years with an aim to test and evaluate the response and recovery capability of the Airport Authority, Airport Crash Fire Hall, Port Police, Victoria Hospital, other emergency services and the National Emergency organization (NEMO), to an aircraft accident at George FL Charles Airport in accordance with the Airport’s Emergency Response Procedures.
Coordinator of the exercise, Ausbert Regis spoke to its objective, stating “the simulation will provide opportunities for the George FL Charles’ Airport Emergency management and response systems to practice operational lines of communications.” Highlighting the significance of the exercise to the airport community was Airport Manager at GFLC, Agatha Felicien who expressed: “For the Airport community, the simulation exercise will measure the response readiness of the Emergency Operating Centre during an unforeseen circumstance. Additionally, it will emphasize the areas in which stakeholders of the Airport Community must reassess to further strengthen our response strategy.”
Also, in attendance at the simulation were officials from the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA).