FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, January 23, 1998
Contacts: Bill Mosley: (202) 366-5571
Cmdr. Michael Lapinski: 202-267-1933
DOT 15-98
SECRETARY SLATER ANNOUNCES
TRANSPORTATION ASSESSMENTS
OF HAITI’S AIRPORT, SEAPORTS
In keeping with the close and continuing relationship between the United States and Haiti, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater today announced the results of two assessments involving transportation facilities in Haiti. The first is a determination that Port-au-Prince Airport does not currently maintain expected security measures, and the second, requested by Haiti, reports on the nation’s seaports.
"President Clinton is committed to assist development and progress for Haiti," Secretary Slater said. "Last summer we said that specialists from the department would go to Haiti to assist authorities there in making improvements, and that the first step would be assessment. As a result, we are issuing a public notification about Port-au-Prince Airport security and have made suggestions for improvements to Haiti’s seaports. I applaud the close cooperation that we received from Haitian authorities at all levels. These assessments would not have been possible without it."
Secretary Slater went to Haiti in July 1997 on a two-day mission to build on principles adopted at the May 10, 1997, Caribbean Summit, to pledge support for economic reform measures introduced by President Rene Preval, and to help Haiti revitalize its transportation system.
Port-au-Prince Airport Does Not Meet ICAO Security Standards
Based on an assessment by a team of security experts from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Department of Transportation has determined that Port-au-Prince International Airport, Port-au-Prince, Haiti, does not currently maintain security measures consistent with the standards established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
In view of the finding, the department has directed that carriers issuing tickets for travel between the United States and Port-au-Prince notify passengers buying tickets of this determination.
Secretary Slater also directed that the determination be displayed prominently at all U.S. airports and published in the Federal Register. The order is effective immediately.
Secretary Slater recognized a great deal of effort that the Haitian government already has undertaken and the progress that has been made to bring the airport closer to compliance with ICAO standards. FAA consultants and trainers have been in Haiti to assist the airport authorities in these improvements. They will remain in Port-au-Prince, as needed, to help the airport correct security deficiencies in a timely fashion.
Secretary Slater emphasized the critical need for Port-au-Prince Airport to achieve full compliance with ICAO standards and to continue to maintain those standards.
DOT believes that air service operations can be conducted safely there if proper precautions are carefully observed. U.S. and foreign air carriers that fly direct between the United States and Port-au-Prince are temporarily providing additional security measures that counter the deficiencies identified at the airport.
Under Title 49 of the U.S. Code, Section 44907, DOT assesses security at foreign airports with direct service to the United States. If the Secretary determines that security at an airport is not effective, he is required to notify the foreign government of the findings and recommend corrective action. When corrective actions have been taken, reassessments can be scheduled expeditiously.
Study of Haiti’s Ports Offers Plan for Improvements
In order to improve maritime efficiency, productivity and security, the government of Haiti requested that the department conduct a review of its seaport infrastructure and operations as well as its control of smuggling and contraband.
A multi-agency review, led by the U.S. Coast Guard, was conducted and the report includes specific action plans for presentation to Haitian authorities to assist them in bringing about improved customs procedures, cargo control, security, coordination of international assistance and institutional change.
Secretary Slater said that the department will continue to work closely with authorities in Haiti to improve its seaports and security at Port-au-Prince Airport.
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