Report into Fly Jamaica crash presented to Cabinet

8The report into the emergency landing of the Fly Jamaica aircraft has been presented to Cabinet even as Government condemned the alleged theft committed by fire fighters.
Minister of State Joseph Harmon revealed that Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson presented the report, complete with details on the incident, to cabinet. Harmon also noted that Cabinet was briefed about the alleged theft.
He noted that these allegations have tarnished Guyana’s international image. However, the Minister acknowledged subsequent reports that the fire fighters in question have been charged and released on bail.
“The Minister briefed Cabinet on a number of details, including persons who sustained injuries. He also reported that there were alleged acts of theft by firemen who first arrived at the scene. Cabinet noted the report and expressed the wish that those injured receive a speedy recovery,” Harmon detailed.
“Cabinet also condemned as reprehensible the (allegations against the) firemen who allegedly stole personal items belonging to the crew, noting that (these allegations have) seriously tarnished Guyana’s image,” Harmon said.
The Fly Jamaica aircraft had taken off from CJIA on November 9, 2018, destined for Toronto, Canada. It is understood that the flight encountered hydraulic problems after some time, and returned to Timehri, where it crash-landed.
The tragedy has claimed the life of 85-year-old Rookhia Kalloo, a pensioner who was on the flight. The Flight Data Recorder (Black Box) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (Pink Box) have both since been sent to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States.
In fact, NTSB was one of several safety, transportation and regulatory bodies from both local and overseas that were included in an investigative team probing the emergency landing of the aircraft.
This was according to Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson, who during the 99th Sitting of the National Assembly a week ago had revealed that the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is conducting an independent investigation into the incident.
“GCAA will be conducting this investigation,” Patterson had explained. “As indicated, 128 persons were on board. On evacuation, a total of 10 passengers were taken to the Diamond hospital with the assistance of CJIA ambulance, while the others were examined at CJIA. An independent investigation is ongoing in examining the aircraft and operations on the morning of the accident and review of the standard operating procedures.
“The Jamaican Civil Aviation Authority and the National Transportation Safety Board of the United States were notified. An investigative team has been established, including of the GCAA representing the state of occurrence, the US National Safety Board representing the state of registry, and commercial airline engineers representing the manufacturers,” Patterson had added.
Besides these agencies, Patterson revealed, the Canadian Transportation and Safety Board and the AIG Regional Cooperation Mechanism (ARCM) were also subsequently advised and invited to provide technical assistance to the GCAA.