Matters pertaining to security and safety in the aviation sector for the Caribbean Region are currently being discussed as the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System’s (CASSOS) Board of Directors holds its 17th Meeting in Georgetown, Guyana.
CASSOS is the Region’s aviation oversight organisation. It is aimed at facilitating the growth and development of aviation through training, resource sharing, harmonisation of policies and procedures among other areas.
The unified approach of the Region through CASSOS, provided Member States like Guyana with an avenue to access key technical expertise to keep the sector safe and secure, Minister in the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, the Hon. Annette Ferguson indicated.
I am aware of some of the challenges we face in the safety and security of aviation such as our level of ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) compliance…our situation with the FAA International Aviation safety assessment, our need for adequate staffing, duly trained and certified to boost our safety oversight… but I’m confident that we will repair and develop our system,” Minister Ferguson explained.
She added that Guyana was currently setting the stage to have a robust aviation system that played a vital role in the national sustainable development.
The Minister stated that significant strides had been made over the years towards Regional aviation security backed by collaboration, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority.
This is for a … one-stop security arrangement … this arrangement only applies to Caribbean Airlines flights that originate from Guyana or Trinidad and Tobago…I’d like to see this extended to include flights originating from other countries and transiting through Trinidad, destined for Guyana so our passengers can benefit from hassle-free travel,” Minister Ferguson explained.
Chairman of CASSOS, Nari Williams-Singh indicated that an intensive agenda would ensue as the Board sought to collaborate and harmonise activities for the good of the Region’s aviation sector. He added that whilst the areas of safety and security were of paramount importance, other areas would be addressed.
The growing issue of environmental protection has not gone unnoticed as a number of member states delivered action plans on fulfilling the mandate in this area… Our discussions will be intense but focused as we seek to ensure that our states are in compliance with ICAO standards and recommended practices,” Williams-Singh outlined.
Lt Col (rtd) Lawrence London, Chairman of Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Board indicated that the new board would work to ensure recommendations and decisions were enacted expeditiously.
There is much work to be done. You have the experience, capacity and knowledge to accomplish goals of this organisation… the new board of the GCAA stands ready to support the efforts of CASSOS wherever, and whenever possible,” London stated.
GCAA Director General (ag) Chaitrani Heeralall indicated that the three days of discussions came at a critical time when the authority was on the launch pad to seriously develop the local aviation sector to become one of the drivers of national sustainable development.
The National Assembly of Guyana recently approved $430M for the continuation of the Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) project and its institutional strengthening.
The ADS-B is a cooperative surveillance technology in which an aircraft determines its position via satellite navigation and periodically broadcasts it, enabling it to be tracked.
ICAO has committed CAD$80,000 for the Strengthening of the Civil Aviation Safety Oversight System in Guyana. Additionally, two studies, the Economic Impact Study of Civil Aviation on the Economy and National Aviation Policy will be done this year and will determine the economic impact of air transport on Guyana’s economy. These will, as well, help government, industry stakeholders and decision makers to better understand what the air transport sector contributes to the economy. This in turn will influence government’s decisions with regards investment priorities and policy directives. (adapted from Government Information Agency of Guyana Press Release)
