Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

Contents from a suspicious Air Jamaica passenger's bag are laid out and photographed for investigation at the Orlando International Airport yesterday. - AP

WESTERN BUREAU:

Prime Minister Bruce Golding last night announced that he had directed the commissioner of police to carry out thorough investigations into the activities, in Jamaica, of a suspicious Air Jamaica passenger who was allegedly held with bomb-making materials at the Orlando International Airport in Florida yesterday.

The Gleaner has learned that the man, 33-year-old United States green-card holder, Jamaican-born Kevin Brown, of Ocala, Florida, was about to board Air Jamaica flight 080 from Orlando to Montego Bay.

Brown is said to be married to a serving member of the American army.

Guard against potential threats

In a statement released to the media, Golding said the investigation into Brown's activities would be aimed at safeguarding the nation and the national airline from any potential threats.

The prime minister said that Shirley Williams, the Air Jamaica chairman, has been keeping him and the minister of national security fully informed of all developments in this matter.

The Prime Minister said the suspicious items found in Brown's checked luggage appeared to be components thatcould be used to make pipe bombs.

"The authorities were further informed that literature with instructions for handling explosives was also found in his possession," the prime minister's office said.

Last night, the Air Jamaica chairman reported that Brown had been charged in connection with the explosive elements.

It is reported that he had a Jamaican passport and a US permanent resident (green) card.

The incident resulted in the closure of a section of the departure terminal at the Orlando airport for over two hours and the evacuation of several passengers, affecting Air Jamaica flights and 11 other flights.

Extensive security checks

Sections of the airport, including the Air Jamaica check-in area, were sealed off and all passengers booked on the flight were required to undergo extensive security checks.

At no time were Air Jamaica passengers and staff in danger.

Yesterday, Brown's sister-in-law, Karen Holt, told The Gleaner she could not believe he would have been carrying explosives.

"He takes medicine and acts outside the norm, depending on how it affects him," said Holt, who said she believed Brown might have been carrying a chillum (ganja) pipe, because he smoked marijuana.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com