MIAMI – Consul General Sandra Grant Griffiths lauded the efforts of the Jamaican security forces in effectively bringing the hostage situation in Montego Bay yesterday to resolution without incident.
The Consul General was responding to questions in a radio interview with broadcast journalist, Ms. Pat Montague, on South Florida radio program “Open Line” on WAVS-AM radio, Sunday(Apr. 20) as listeners flocked the airwaves for news of the resolved situation as it unfolded.
Mrs. Griffiths continued that this was an indication that the Jamaican authorities were capable of handling those kinds of incidents quite competently, adding that “we did not wish for a repeat performance.”
With experience in the Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, she spoke of the remarkably clean record of airport safety and airline safety on the island, which was further demonstrated by the handling of the situation.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Bruce Golding has since ordered an immediate investigation into the breach of airport security at the Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, where the incident took place.
Jamaican security forces carried out a successful rescue operation as a 20 year old gunman, identified as Stephen Fray, boarded a chartered aircraft, CANJET, with more than 150 passengers destined for Halifax, Canada, via Havana, Cuba.
The gunman forced his way on to the aircraft, breaching airport security. He was shortly apprehended and is now in police custody. The hostage situation ended shortly after without incident.
Normal operations resumed shortly after at the Sangster’s International Airport.
The Prime Minister also called for an immediate investigation of the systems in place and the circumstances under which the incident took place. This will be carried out by the Minister of Transport and Works, the Civil Aviation Authority and the Airports Authority.
As he expressed relief and gratitude for safety of the passengers and crew, the Prime Minister also praised the Jamaican security forces for their professionalism.
