THE Guyana and U.S. Governments have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development and modernisation of the civil aviation sector in the area of security.The MoU was signed yesterday by Public Infrastructure Minister, David Patterson on behalf of the Guyana Government, and U.S. Ambassador Perry Holloway, on behalf of his country, at the

Ministry of Public Infrastructure in Kingston, Georgetown. It will, however, be facilitated by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the U.S. Transportation Safety Administration (TSA).
As to what it entails, it formalises the terms and conditions under which the two governments will engage in cooperation on civil aviation matters, such as the development and modernisation of the civil aviation security infrastructure in Guyana in managerial, operational and technical areas.

STRONG COMMITMENT

According to Ambassador Holloway, the MoU signifies the strong bilateral commitment shared between Guyana and the U.S., in that it will enhance the GCAA’s capacity to adequately provide security for passengers, employees and other stakeholders involved in the airport transportation industry.
In addition, it also allows for the provision of technical and managerial expertise to assist the GCAA in developing, improving, and operating its civil aviation security infrastructure, standards, procedures, policies, training and equipment. Another of its advantages is that the agreement has opened the door for GCAA personnel to be trained either in the U.S. or Guyana, as well as the provision of resources, logistical support and equipment for facilities.
“There will be training,” Holloway said, “but there will be passenger inspection, cargo inspection. There will possibly be equipment provided with things like x-ray equipment and other specialised equipment that allows you to search cargo and aircraft.”
SIMILAR SENTIMENTS

Minister Patterson, who was supported by his junior minister Annette Ferguson, echoed similar sentiments, in that he noted that the MoU will play a crucial role in Guyana soliciting support for the improvement of its aviation sector.
He recalled that prior to Ambassador Holloway’s appointment in June, 2015, he was informed by the then U.S. Charge d’ Affaires that the TSA had some concerns about the pace at which aviation matters were being handled by the GCAA.
“I had advocated for technical assistance for regulatory and oversight of our aviation and maritime sectors, both of which are very important to our national development,” Minister Patterson said, adding that the government sees the aviation sector as a catalyst of economic and social growth.
This being the case, he said his ministry, and by extension the David Granger administration, remains committed to the development of a safe, secure and vibrant aviation sector.
In underscoring the importance of the relationship shared between the U.S. and Guyana, Minister Patterson said, “The continued partnership between our governments is necessary for the growth of our international aviation activities, particularly connectivity between U.S. destinations and Guyana.”
Noting that the MoU will be used as an avenue to provide support in developing the capacities and expertise in civil aviation security, Minister Patterson said the MoU was needed not only to satisfy the requirements, but also to assist in meeting the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and recommended practices.
“I know the TSA has been working closely with the GCAA and the CJIA,” he said, “and I have asked that we include Ogle International Airport in their assessment on their next visit. I believe we have to have a holistic approach to the security and safety oversight of our aviation sector. Again, I thank you and TSA for the continued commitment to improving our security effort.”
Accoring to Minister Ferguson, today, the GCAA has three additional aviation security officers, whereas before, there was only one.

By Svetlana Marshall