Jack praises Air Traffic Controllers

In Photo: (From left) Ann-Marie Plaza-Hosein, Chair, TTATCA, Alex Figuereo, Executive Vice President IFATCA, Works and Transport Minister Jack Warner and Alexis Braithwaite, President and CEO of IFATCA

Minister of Works and Transport Jack Warner was high in praise Friday of air traffic controllers, who have the lives of millions of travellers in their hands.

Delivering the feature address at 21st International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers at Mount Irvine Hotel, Tobago, Warner pointed out that air traffic controllers must be stress free, "otherwise, God forbid, there could be disastrous consequences."

Warner added, "If there is anyone who performs a most critical role in society, it is an air traffic controller. Just like a doctor who saves lives, or a teacher to improve the lives of young children, air traffic controllers do the same or even more.

"Without air traffic controllers, the lives of millions of passengers on aircraft, will be at risk. It is now history, that I tried to have two contracts awarded to have lights fixed at Piarco and Crown Point Airports, so as to avoid any disaster. 

"Thankfully, and so far, nothing has happened. And, with the new Board of the Airports Authority being sworn in on Monday, hopefully the award of the contracts will not be long in coming," the minister said.

Warner continued, "What is the role of an air traffic controller? For me, that is one of the most crucial jobs there is. Just recently, I toured the Civil Aviation's new building in Trinidad and I was able to see first hand how the air traffic controllers operate. 

"I saw this chart, a very active chart, showing the directions of aircraft within the air space of Trinidad and Tobago. For me, it was most confusing. For me, it appeared that some aircraft were on a collision course, that a disaster was waiting to happen.
 
"It was only after an air traffic controller explained the chart to me, then I realised that there would be no disaster, no collision, as one plane was way above the other in the air space and being directed by the Air Traffic Control Tower in Trinidad.

"It is important that we continuously train our air traffic controllers. The world is revolving with new technology all the time, and if we are to be the airline hub of the southern Caribbean, our air traffic controllers need to move with the times.

"Far too often, I hear of complaints from the air traffic controllers. They complain of outstanding monies owed to them. They complain about working conditions. 

"I sympathise with them, if they work for the money, then they must be paid. Sometimes, they protest, and sometimes, they sick out. For me, I would always want to have a happy air traffic controller in the tower," Minister Warner added.