Commissioner Wescot-Williams:
"build partnerships at AAAE conference"
Aviation Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams, at the opening of the
AAAE meeting on July 21st 2008 expressed words of appreciation to
the Princess Juliana International airport and to AAAE for bringing
the prestigious Airports Conference of the Americas to St. Maarten.
"PJIA is the main gateway to our island for residents and the larger
traveling pu-blic, and plays an important role for air traffic in
the North Eastern Caribbean. For this reason, the government of Sint
Maarten is thrilled to welcome so many of the region's aviation
movers and shakers," Mrs. Wescot-Williams told the gathering at
Sonesta Maho Resort's conference room.
She hinted at the pressure the
aviation industry has found itself
under and expressed hopes that the
attendees would have fruitful meetings.
“Considering the vital role of airports
everywhere, this is an area that is under
constant review in terms of capabilities,
limitations, innovations and new
technologies.
In addition to all of that, safety and security of the traveler
have taken on new dimensions since the tragedy of
9/11, but the fall-out experienced by the aviation industry
after that horrifi c event was but a dress rehearsal for
the fall-out from the oil crisis of today. It has severe
consequences for airports like ours that have recently
invested massively in new facilities to meet the growing
demands, as well as those airports that were poised to
invest in their facilities to anticipate future demands,” the
commissioner said, adding: “and so precisely at this time,
amidst much insecurity, we gather on Sint Maarten to
examine and assess the very challenges facing aviation
in general.”
She said that though St. Maarten is an island of merely
37 square miles, it is very cosmopolitan in nature, and
therefore welcomed the opportunity to deliberate with so
many industry experts and partners the challenges and
opportunities of the industry. “Yes, there are opportunities
to be had, even now. One opportunity is surely the
interaction this conference affords us. The knowledge and
experiences of others we can share. Why re-invent the
wheel; why re-invent the wing?” she asked. “Regardless
of what, this world will stay connected and people will
travel and air service will remain an important means of
travel.”
Mrs. Wescott-Williams said the conference was organized
with good timing and in a good place to be.
“We can only be successful with the assistance of other
stakeholders in the industry and outside of it. I think of
governments, fi nanciers, suppliers and unions to mention
a few. It all ties in together. The ripples are not contained
to the aviation industry only and the stakeholders
mentioned are not immune. It is a delicate balancing act,
with dialogue as the key and partnerships indispensable.
This conference is such a partnership, between the FAA,
AAAE, IAAE and the co-host, our own PJIA,” said the
Commissioner.
Aviation Commissioner Sarah Wescot-Williams, at the opening of the
AAAE meeting on July 21st 2008 expressed words of appreciation to
the Princess Juliana International airport and to AAAE for bringing
the prestigious Airports Conference of the Americas to St. Maarten.
