The BVI Airports Authority (the Authority) successfully completed a comprehensive simulation exercise at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on October 10.

Managing Director Mr. Kurt Menal said the primary objectives of the exercise was to test the Rescue and Fire Fighting Services (RFFS) procedures, assess the response time of the RFFS, and evaluate the effectiveness of interagency communication and the Incident Command System, along with evaluating the reliability of the airport's security infrastructure.   

Mr. Menal said, “Our goal was to ensure that the necessary systems are in place and functioning effectively to manage and mitigate any potential crises.”

The exercise was part of the Authority’s ongoing commitment to safety and operational excellence and was designed to evaluate the response and recovery capabilities in the event of an actual airport emergency.

The simulation scenario involved an ATR aircraft inbound to Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, which crash-landed on runway 07 with ten (10) passengers on board, resulting in seven (7) casualties. The exercise rigorously tested the airport’s Emergency Plan and the responsiveness of multiple agencies involved in emergency management in the Virgin Islands.

The exercise involved close collaboration with several key agencies, including the Department of Disaster Management, Domestic Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, the BVI Health Services Authority, the 911 Call Center. This multi-agency approach was crucial in assessing the communication networks and coordination protocols during a simulated emergency.

Director of Operations, Mr. Kyle Cummings, emphasised the importance of the lessons learned from the simulation sating that one of the key takeaways was the need for enhanced coordination in the early stages of the incident command.

Mr. Cummings said, “While the response time of the emergency services mostly met expectations, the exercise revealed areas where interagency communication could be further streamlined for better real-time decision-making.”

The director stated that in the aftermath of the simulation, the Authority is already considering several recommendations for improvement. “These include refining the communication protocols among first responders, enhancing the airport’s security protocols to better safeguard critical areas, and further developing the Incident Command System to ensure seamless leadership during crisis situations,” Mr. Cummings outlined.

The Authority extends its deepest appreciation to all volunteers, evaluators, external agencies, and the staff of the BVI Airports Authority and the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport for their commitment and contributions to the success of the exercise. The Authority also thanks the public for its understanding and support during this critical operation.

The Government of the United Kingdom ensures that all Overseas Territories, including the VI, comply with ICAO standards as part of its obligations as a contracting state of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).  As mandated, the Authority conducts full-scale emergency exercises biennially to maintain operational readiness and enhance safety standards at its airports.