KINGSTON, Jamaica – Opposition Spokesman on Transport and Works Mike Henry is calling on the Government to urgently address the issues that are provoking a disruption of the air traffic control service into and out of the island.

Henry said the continued failure of the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing to address many well-known issues of safety that are affecting air traffic controllers amounts to a gross dereliction of responsibilities and failure to recognise the importance of the safety of both citizens and other users of the Jamaican air space.

He said the failure to speedily respond to the concerns and procure updated equipment for the air traffic control service was an act of open disregard for the service and the country’s reputation and well-being.

The former transport minister said a safe airspace is critical to the country’s growth and development, and issues relating to the critical service cannot be dealt with on a ‘take it or leave it’ basis.

“I call on the air traffic controllers to act with restraint, as I call on the chairman of the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) to speed up the implementation of the needed radar support to aid the air traffic controllers in their work,” said Henry.