Alleged major security breach at the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) travellers from Barbados could face tougher surveillance measures when they reach US shores.
The controversy follows the arrest of retired police officer Cameron Hinds, who was found with a revolver and five rounds of ammunition at the Miami International Airport after arriving from Barbados on American Airlines flight 1089.
The developments have put the country under scrutiny.
Hinds is a retired sergeant of the then titled Royal Barbados Police Force with more than three decades of service. Reports are the retired police office is having health challenges
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, who chairs the National Security Council, declared that someone would be held accountable. She went further to sat “I learnt about it [Thursday] morning and I have urgently requested a report which I expect to receive very, very soon. Somebody or bodies will be held accountable.”
The Prime Minister went on to say “This notion that people can do things that are in breach of the law or in breach of acceptable standards and get away with impunity is not going to stand and the consequences for the country are grave and great. So, let us be very clear that those breaches will be dealt with.”
Reports reaching this publication indicated that G4S, which is contracted to oversee the airport security checkpoints, is also under scrutiny.
A spokesman for the US Embassy indicated that American officials were coordinating with aviation and law enforcement partners “to ensure the safety of all travellers between Barbados and the United States”.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the US Department of Homeland Security revealed that “immediate action” was taken to obtain additional information from the Government of Barbados and launch an investigation on the island.
According to US reports, Hinds’ Ruger revolver was within reach for the entire four-hour trip – a clear breach of international security measures implemented after the 9/11 attacks just over 20 years ago.
Consul General to Miami, Neval Greenidge said “The gentleman was searched. He was patted down. He was scanned, but the firearm seemed to have been under a laptop and I think that’s where the blunder came because the officer who would have been reviewing his bag or checking the luggage should have taken the laptop out, or had him take the laptop out which is customary for the TSA,” Barbados’.
He said “airport scanners” would be retrained, among other steps to prevent such an event from recurring.
Hinds appeared in court on Friday on a charge of carrying a concealed weapon, which carries a maximum penalty in Florida of five years in prison and a fine of $5,000. He reportedly pleaded not guilty and will appear in court again in mid-December.
