15 June 2009
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today hosted the crew of Canjet Flight 918 at 24 Sussex Drive. The crew of Canjet 918 have been praised for their cool and professional response to the attempted hijack that occurred at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica on April 19, 2009.
"What could have been a terrible, unimaginable tragedy turned instead into a tremendous triumph of courage and professionalism," said the Prime Minister. "The crew of Flight 918 bravely contributed to a resolution in which all passengers were released safely and unharmed. I join all Canadians in expressing our appreciation and gratitude for their efforts."
The Prime Minister personally thanked Captain James T. Murphy, First Officer Glenn Johnson, flight attendants Heidi Tofflemire, Carolina Aida Sanitzo Arriola, Nicole Rogers and Tony Bettencourt, and Security Officer Joseph Marc Garry Knickle. Also mentioned was flight attendant Anu Goswami, who was unable to be present.
The Prime Minister was on an official visit to Jamaica at the time of the hijacking. He flew to Montego Bay on the morning of April 20 to meet with passengers. He thanked Jamaica's Prime Minister Bruce Golding for his personal involvement in resolving the situation. Prime Minister Harper also drew special attention to the actions of the Jamaican security forces, including the Counter Terrorism Operations Group, which receives Canadian training and support.
