Castries – Friday, August 26, 2011 – The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) held a simulation emergency exercise today at La Place Carenage Duty Free Shopping Mall to test the preparedness and response capabilities of the various response agencies. The simulation consisted of a fire breaking out at the facility which in turn caused the central Air Condition System to ignite and explode, toxic fumes were reportedly leaked into the building via the AC duct and patrons and staff were complained of dizziness, whilst others fainted.

Mr. David Maitre, Deputy Chief of Ports Police (Ag) (DCOPP) in an interview after the simulation exercise indicated “SLASPA held the simulation this morning in collaboration with the Central Police Station, Traffic Department, Special Services Unit (SSU), Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Unit, Criminal Investigative Department (CID), Marine Unit and St. Lucia Fire Service to test the response capabilities of the SLASPA personnel and other supporting agencies. It also afforded response personnel the opportunity to practice response skills and equipment. The aim of this particular simulation was to ensure that we meet the requirements of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) with respect to testing all aspects of the Security Plan, to test the Emergency/ Business Continuity Plan for La Place Carenage, the response capabilities of responding agencies, and to Practice response equipment/skills.”

“Another primary focus of the live exercise was the deployment of Marine Police within the harbor, the activation of the La Place Carenage Security Plan and its execution by Port Police Officers, and the participation of the Traffic Department, Central Police Station, CID, SSU, EOD and Fire and Emergency Service” concluded DCOPP (Ag) Maitre.

By all accounts, the simulation was successful, the emergency crews were on scene in less than two minutes defusing fires and attending to the sick and injured.