This morning at 9:30 a.m. operations at the Philip Goldson International Airport were temporarily disrupted for 20 minutes as a result of the significant power fluctuations by Belize Electricity Limited.  The P.G.I.A.’s 750 Kw generator automatically came on three times but given the constancy of the power surges, the Generator’s disconnect tripped, and had to be re-set.   The long-standing practice of B.E.L. informing the P.G.I.A. in advance of any power fluctuations was not observed.  Upon calling B.E.L., Duty Manager Michael Asevedo learned that B.E.L. was conducting tests and the interruptions would continue for one and a half hours with the restoration of normal power supply by 3:00 p.m.  The P.G.I.A. is currently being powered by our Generator.

P.G.I.A.’s management is pleased that the temporary power outage DID NOT cause any cancellation of any flight nor did any individual miss any connection.  The airport’s Emergency Plan was activated and all essential systems, including security screening, were performed.  The Air Traffic Control Tower has its own generator.

The Airport Community expresses its deepest sympathy and condolences on the passing of Lady Norma Young, mother of B.E.L.’s Executive Chairman and beloved wife of Sir Colville Young.

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