Prime Minister Wescot-Williams highlights the Importance of Safety, Security, Efficiency and Growth for the Future of St. Maarten’s Airport

The Prime Minister of St. Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot-Williams in her opening address at the Princess Juliana International Airport Safety and Security Conference highlighted the importance of safety and security for the economic stability on the island; “As you as representatives from the aviation industry have travelled to our shores to attend the Safety and Security Conference at the beautiful Westin Resort it is important for us to realize the importance of safety, security, efficiency and growth for the further development of the ports on our island.

“In recent decades airport safety and security has been one of the most important areas not only to airport administrators and security experts but also especially to the general public. Oftentimes while traveling or preparing to travel we are confronted by the disquieting perception that air travel is inherently risky and that these risks are often dictated by the international political climate and instances that have plagued the airline industry recently. I would like to reiterate that, according to all reports; flying still remains the safest means of traveling and it is up to you delegates to share your experiences and expertise to ensure that this stays this way.

The security and safety of the airline industry is paramount. We as an island and as a region should share our best practices and our experiences that we take away from our own areas to reinforce the standards of safety and security, I daresay the high standards of safety and security that we have here in the region. It is also very important to include all of the stakeholders in your consultations and deliberations.

“I urge all delegates to activelt take part in information exchanges and during the exhibiions; be a part of making our skies some of the safest in the region.

And lastly please do not forget to enjoy our friendly island and our wonderful airport, which stands as an example of not only airline and airport security in our region but also as a hub for travel in the Caribbean,” concluded Prime Minister Wescot-Williams.