Blows for CAL: Big jobs without security checks

(Trinidad Express) Despite the global threat of terrorism, Stateowned Caribbean Airlines recently hired new staff, including managers, without conducting the security background checks.

The airline’s management also hired new staff without following stipulated guidelines set the chief personnel officer.

A Joint Select Committee on State Enterprises yesterday morning raised concerns about CAL’s hiring practises.

It has recommended that CAL restart the hiring process for all positions that were filled without adhering to guidelines and which flouted the requirements of a background security check.

During a press conference yesterday morning to highlight the JSC’s report of the fifth enquiring into the operations and administration of CAL, JSC member Fazal Karim said CAL breached its own recruitment policy, which states that all staff are subject to security checks before being hired.

“We consider that to be extremely important, particularly in terms of the billions of dollars of plant, property and equipment and particularly in the context in a world now which is exposed to terrorism of various types. Also to the fact that anything, in terms of the security checks, that may jeopardise the safety, security and the airline’s international record as a good brand, we take this very seriously,” Karim said.