AIR TRAFFIC controllers, the 'unsung Jamaican heroes', celebrated International Air Traffic Controllers day on Heroes Day yesterday with an awards ceremony for long-standing members of the industry.
The local authorities also took the opportunity to help commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Jamaica Air Traffic Controllers Association which was started in 1978 by founding president, Patrick Stern.
"This day is a day to celebrate the role of air traffic controllers who work in the Air Traffic Control Centre and in the air towers over the island," Carl Gaynair, president of the Jamaica Air Traffic Controllers Association, told the small gathering at Winchester Road, St. Andrew.
"We give the instructions for pilots for them to start their engines, taxi down the runway and to take off. We are responsible for the area that borders Cuba to the north, Haiti to the east, Panama to the south, and Central America and Mexico to the west. No flight operates in this area without instructions from the centre."
BEHIND-THE-SCENES
"We are the behind-the-scenes persons behind much of what is taking place in the air but the public is not aware of us. They are aware of what they see, the pilots, the marshallers ...so much to the point where they have made a song about them," Mr. Gaynair quipped, making reference to the hit song, 'Signal the Plane'.
"The public thinks that the marshallers are actually the air traffic controllers ...we're the unsung heroes of the aviation industry."
During the function, the work of air traffic controllers such as Milton Watson, who has served the industry for 34 years was recognised. As he made his way up to the podium to receive his plaque, he was greeted with whistles of approval, and pithy but supportive comments such as 'easy Watts'. And when he was being presented with his plaque by general secretary Charmaine Miles, members of the audience made obnoxious kissing noises, and there was an emphatic 'yes' when he planted a kiss on her cheek.
EVENT
Other air traffic controllers honoured included Donovan McLarty, Patrick Stern, Orville Michelin, Lionel Henry, Desmond Davis, Randolph Jones, Dwight Dietrick and Euphlyn Wright. The day's activities were co-ordinated by Leon Whitely who was pleased with how the event unfolded.
"This is a really good day for all of us because for years, the association just operated primarily as a trade union to negotiate wages and such, but we have made an active effort to change the outlook of the organisation, to cultivate a corporate image, and this is just one of the first steps we're taking in this direction," Mr. Whitely said.
Other activities include a two-day conference in early November, and the commemoration of '100 years of Powered Flight' which will be held on December 7, and will be hosted by the Civil Aviation Authority, the Ministry of Transport and the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ).
