Deandrea Hamilton

Editor

The People’s Democratic Movement is talking airport innovation and chastising the government for its silence following the recent string of bomb threats against the JAGS McCartney International and Providenciales International Airports in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“If something serious is happening to our country and our people of the Turks & Caicos Islands, by now we all know who will be silent and who will be hiding from their responsibilities. If you said the Premier and his Cabinet Ministers, you are 100% correct. I have never seen such a government that constantly hides from crises, and are afraid of speaking to serious issues affecting our people,” said Edwin Astwood, Opposition Leader in a statement issued on May 1.

There has since been statements issued by Edvin Martin, TCI Commissioner of Police and jointly by Washington Misick, TCI Premier and Daleeni Daniel-Selveratnam, TCI Governor.  There have also been more threats, up to seven with the scope expanding to include school children.

For airport safety and security, the PDM Leader laid out ten innovations a government administration led by him would action, he said.

“A PDM government, under my leadership, will review and implement innovative approaches and technologies that can be considered for at airports to strengthen security measures, such as:

1. Biometric Authentication- to verify the identity of passengers and airport personnel, enhancing security and streamlining the check-in and boarding processes.
2. Explosive Detection Systems- systems that use cutting-edge technologies such as computed tomography (CT) scanning to enhance the detection of explosives and other prohibited items in baggage and cargo.
3. Email Authentication Protocols- Implementations email authentication protocols such as SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) to verify the authenticity of email senders and prevent email spoofing.
4. Email Threat Intelligence- Utilize email threat intelligence feeds and services that provide real-time information on emerging email threats, malicious domains, and known threat actors to enhance our email security defenses.
5. Cybersecurity Measures – to protect our airports infrastructure, systems, and data from cyber threats, and hacking attempts that could compromise airport operations and passenger safety.

6. Drone Detection and Mitigation- to identify unauthorized drones flying near our airports premises and employing countermeasures to mitigate potential threats posed by rogue drones.

7. Smart Access Control Systems- utilizing biometrics, RFID technology, or mobile credentials to manage and monitor access to restricted areas within our airport, reducing the risk of unauthorized entry.
8. Enhance Emergency Response Training- emergency response training exercises and drills to prepare our airport staff, security personnel, and first responders to effectively respond to security incidents, natural disasters, or terrorist attacks.
9. Public Awareness Campaigns- Educating passengers and airport visitors about our country’s security procedures, emergency protocols, and the importance of reporting suspicious activities to enhance overall security vigilance and community engagement in maintaining airport safety. 
10. Collaboration with Law Enforcement – Our National Security Council to Work closely with both local and international law enforcement agencies, cybersecurity organizations, and industry partners to share threat intelligence, collaborate on investigations, and take legal action against malicious actors involved in email threats.”

The bomb threats, which have all, so far been found to be hoaxes has spread to now include airport facilities in Cayman, Bermuda, Anguilla and the BVI.  The emailed threat has been traced to a Russian domain, similarly in India bomb threats against schools there are originating from a Russian domain.

At this stage however, there continues to be emphasis on the collaborations now employed to unearth who is responsible for the threats.

“The RTCIPF, on the operational response and ongoing investigations into the recent threats made against the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports and Schools. As of 26 April, ten (10) threats have been made with the most recent three (3) targeting various schools in Grand Turk and South Caicos. In addition, it was confirmed that similar threats have been made against airports in other British Overseas Territories in the region.

The Strategic Coordinating Group (SCG), stood-up by the NSC, is managing TCI’s response, and is collaborating with UK and international partners in its law enforcement efforts to track the source of the threats and manage risks,” divulged an NSC post meeting statement.

The meeting, held on May 7 at the Office of the Governor in Providenciales, included: Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, and the Honourable Premier Charles Washington Misick, co-chairs;  HE the Deputy Governor, the Hon. Deputy Premier; the Hon. Minister for Immigration and Border Services; the Hon. Attorney General; the Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF); the Permanent Secretary National Security Secretariat (NSS); the Permanent Secretary Governor’s Office; the NSS Threat Lead; Hon. Minister of Tourism; Hon. Minister of Education; Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education; Director of the Education Department; Assistant Commissioner of Police and the Executive Charmain and Managing Director of the Turks and Caicos Islands Airport Authority.

Astwood has now requested that the terms of reference of the airport be made public and has extended, yet again, to the general public his willingness to take over leadership of the Turks and Caicos Islands.