KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport Daryl Vaz has responded to a video circulating on social media showing a leaky roof at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston.
The footage now viral on several social media platforms, show several buckets marked with the NMIA initials scattered across the floor of the airport. Social media users have since called on the minister to prioritise the port of entry as the current condition does not reflect well on Jamaica.
“This is embarrassing! This is the gateway to the capital,” one user commented. “I hate to agree with you, but this is not a good look at all...we need fi do better,” another posted on Twitter.
Replying to the video on Twitter, Vaz labelled the leaky roof situation as ‘unacceptable’ and vowed to follow up on the issue.
“Thanks Chris. I will follow your advice. Unacceptable,” the minister posted. His response comes on the heels of a revelation that a revised concession agreement between the Government and PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL) for the operation and maintenance of the NMIA is "now in effect" and should ease grouses over the running of the entity and the infrastructure.
Vaz disclosed that the revised concession agreement was taken to Cabinet and approved and has allowed PACKAL "to continue on the performance clauses... and also the short-term remedies" for the airport, which is the second largest in Jamaica.
During that interview, Vaz said he expects that by year end into early 2024, all improvements regarding the airport will be made.
READ: NMIA improvement well under way, says Vaz
"The situation at the airport is much improved in terms of the air-conditioning and the bathroom facilities, they are improved but still a work in progress, not fully completed as yet; there is still work to be done,” he said at the time. "I am expecting that by the end of this year, into early next year, all of the improvements will be made in terms of the issues that have been at the forefront of the complaints.”
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