CJIA installs pro-vision body scanner – to replace pat-down searches

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri has installed a pro-vision body scanner, which will replace the traditional pat-down search performed on passengers.  This is the first of such equipment in the Caribbean.
Despite the legal and standard nature of the pat-down search, there has been controversy recently about the way it is facilitated, hence, the CJIA’s acquisition of the equipment, which will remove the need for a pat-down exercise.

Speaking with Guyana Times International after a sod-turning exercise on Saturday at the CJIA, the airport’s chief executive officer, Ramesh Ghir explained that passengers are required to remove all loose items which will be placed in a bin provided before they proceed to the body scanner.  The machine, he disclosed, uses radio waves, noting that it is not an x-ray; hence, the person monitoring the system cannot see anything within the body.
Apart from enhancing security, Ghir added that the machine improves the efficiency in processing passengers, noting the airlines will now have their passengers clear the security screening faster, thus reducing the time on the ground.
He further stated the scanner does not store images, but ensures that passengers do not take any weapon or any other prohibited items onto the aircraft. With respect to monitoring and maintaining the equipment, Ghir revealed that prior to the introduction of the pro-vision body scanner, a team from L3 (the manufacturer) visited and trained a number of airport staff.
The machine, he highlighted, is simple to use, but the airport has seen the need for training additional staff to man the equipment.
Ghir said over the years, the airport has been continuously enhancing security measures at the main port of entry. There are security cameras; various types of equipment such as the X-ray and now the pro-vision body scanner, but more importantly, there are several layers of security namely, the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU); the Criminal Investigation Department (CID); the Police Special Branch and the CJIA internal security.
He also divulged that the airport management is seeking to procure additional cameras to cover other areas that they think might need tighter security.