THE stage is being set for a robust aviation system that plays a vital role in national and sustainable development of Guyana, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson said. She made the announcement at the opening of the 23rd Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS) Board of Directors meeting held at the Ramada Hotel on Tuesday.
Acknowledging that things are changing rapidly in the sector, Minister Ferguson said in the Caribbean, like most parts of the world, there is a shortage of technical skills and therefore the unifying approach in CARICOM through CASSOS give countries with limited human resources and avenues access to new technical expertise to keep the aviation sector safe. She said having the opportunity to sit in previous meetings gave her the opportunity to understand CASSOS in the regional and international context.
CASSOS contributes to the development of the aviation sectors of member countries through the sharing of technical expertise. Guyana has been a beneficiary of CASSOS’ work.
“There is a new bill being crafted and it is before the Parliamentary Select Committee and we expect to see the passage of that bill before the end of 2018,” the minister said. She added: “We are including in the legislation, provisions to give the authority to CASSOS inspectors to carry out their work unhindered in Guyana.”
The Civil Aviation Bill 2017 was shared with and reviewed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The new bill seeks to repeal and replace the Civil Aviation Act, Chapter 53:01 and bring Guyana’s aviation law into conformity with primary legislation, regulating civil aviation currently found in other parts of the world.
The CASSOS is the first Regional Safety Oversight Organisation (RSOO) of its kind in Caribbean aviation and aims to uphold the highest standards of safety and security in the aviation industry of member states.
