The Argyle International Airport (AIA) in collaboration with the British High Commission in Kingstown had announced that AIA is now RA3 Certified for the United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU).
RA3 stands for Regulated Agent – Third Country and the certification refer to the designation of a regulated agent in a third country under the UK aviation security regulations.
“This certification means that fresh produce, fresh flowers, agricultural produce can now be exported via air directly to the United Kingdom without having to go through a third-party country,” Geoffrey Patton, resident British commissioner, said at the announcement.
He also highlighted the new pathways this would help materialise for trade between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the United Kingdom.
Josette Greaves, CEO of the AIA, said the certification signifies that AIA has met all the required aviation security standards of the UK and the EU for the screening, handling, and transportation of cargo destined for those regions.
“As an RA3 approved facility, AIA is now authorised to process and export cargo directly to the United Kingdom through approved airlines, without the need for transhipment or additional screening at intermediary airports,” Greaves said.
Greaves thanked the independent validator, Brian Abbott of World AVSEC, who of is Vincentian heritage, for the work done to get the certification.
She also appealed to the staff of the AIA, passengers, stakeholders or anyone else who uses the passenger terminal building or the cargo facility to always uphold high security standards.
“The AIA conducts security screening in a particular manner not to inconvenience or make it uncomfortable for travellers or people conducting business but to ensure they are able to accomplish milestones such as a RA3 certification and, more importantly, that everyone remains safe,” a press release said.
The government needs to work with producers, traders and other entities in the food chain to train, build capacity and strengthen the local regulatory body to be in compliance at all point on the food chain
It is always good to find new markets for our agricultural projects overseas. More exports will help farmers and the economy. Perhaps helping to create more economic growth.
But is this a piece of election propaganda? Why announce it now?
Over the years, the government has not been too keen on the Agricultural sector. In fact, they almost killed the agricultural sector.
Have they got the systems in place to carry out this operation?
Exporting more agricultural products?
Will the ULP government now seriously promote agriculture as a KEY sector in the economy, just like tourism?