NASSAU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FAILS TRANSPORTATION

C O N F I D E N T I A L NASSAU 000258

SIPDIS

STATE FOR WHA/CAR

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/23/2019
TAGS: EAIR ECON PREL PGOV BF
SUBJECT: NASSAU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FAILS TRANSPORTATION
SECURITY ADMINISTRATION EVALUATION

REF: A. 08 NASSAU 856

B. 08 NASSAU 706

Classified By: Charge Zuniga-Brown for Reasons 1.4(b) and (d).


1. (C) Summary: Nassau's International Airport failed a
U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) evaluation
April 6 - 9, forcing the Airport Authority to postpone plans
to reduce the number of passenger security screening
checkpoints from two to one. The TSA evaluation team noted
twelve specific deficiencies that must be addressed in order
for the airport to meet TSA security standards. Reducing the
number of passenger security screening check point has been a
major goal of the GCOB for some time given the significant
delays that can occur as passengers are fully screened twice
prior to boarding. Airport officials vowed to address the
deficiencies no later than June 1, at which time another TSA
evaluation will be scheduled. End Summary.


2. (C) A TSA Evaluation team visited Nassau April 6 - 9 to
formally evaluate airport security procedures and determine
if requirements were in place to scale down to one passenger
screening security checkpoint at Lynden Pindling
International Airport (LPIA). Although the team noted many
improvements in airport security procedures in the past
year, the team was unable to recommend the removal of the
additional screening checkpoint at this time. Of
particular concern to the evaluation team were several
deficiencies found in training requirements at LPIA, including
a lack of timely training for employees, gaps in training
periods, and insufficient maintenance of training records.
In an out brief with airport stakeholders, the team noted
twelve specific deficiencies that must be addressed, the
majority of which focus on better training procedures. In
addition, the team strongly recommended the creation of a
screening manager position to oversee daily operations and
ensure consistent screener performance.


3. (C) The evaluation team also noted things being done well
at LPIA, including access control to sterile areas,
vendor screening procedures and vetting of employees. The
team emphasized that the twelve deficiencies are all things
the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) and Airport
Authority (AA) can easily implement into their work routine.
For their part, NAD and AA representatives vowed to have all
twelve deficiencies addressed no later than June 1, at
which time they will request another TSA Evaluation.


4. (C) Comment: Collapsing to one passenger security
screening check point has been a major goal of NAD and AA for
some time. Over the past year, post has worked closely with
NAD, AA and the Government of the Commonwealth of The
Bahamas (GCOB) in an effort to bring airport security
procedures in line with TSA standards. Disappointment was
evident following the report from the evaluation team,
prompting NAD and AA representatives to clearly state their
intentions to remedy each outstanding issue as soon as
possible. In a private meeting with Econoff, the TSA team
was optimistic about future evaluations in The Bahamas,
noting a very real possibility of the second screening
checkpoint being abolished in 2009. The successful
conclusion of the TSA inspection and eventual consolidation
of
the checkpoints will provide a favorable environment for
further cooperation on matters including an agreement to
extend pre-clearance to general aviation aircraft.
ZUNIGA-BROWN