AS the local aviation industry observed its very significant centenary milestone, the ground was broken at the proposed site for a brand new multi-million-dollar head office for the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority yesterday at Ogle, East Coast Demerara. Occurring a mere stone’s throw from the existing Ogle International Airport, the sod-turning ceremony was attended by President Donald Ramotar; Transport Minister Robeson Benn; head of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, Zulfikar Mohamed; and Principal Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works, Derrick Jodhan.

Following that exercise, the Head of State pointed out that the local aviation sector has a bigger role to play than just to ensure the sector expands. He pointed out that in addition to the drive to ensure expansion, there must be constant consideration placed on security and ensuring that precautions are in place and there is no short cut in the execution of the instillation of the systems, which can ultimately lead to compromise in the safety and integrity of the local aviation industry.

President Ramotar said Guyana has to get it right and strive to achieve a reputation for safety and managing the most safety effective aviation industry, while adopting a form of operation that is above board.

Speaking to the media about the commencement of construction, GCAA head Zulfikar Mohamed said the authority has placed a request through the Ministry of Public Works to secure Gy$100M for the initial works contained in the first phase, and the
money is expected to be provided in the National Budget, which will be presented tomorrow. Moreover, the GCAA will seek another Gy$100M to be used to complete the construction contained in the second phase.
And once the first Gy$100M has been approved and passed, the first phase will commence later this year.

He said the idea of a headquarters for the GCAA has been something Transport Minister Benn has always had a passion for since he took over the helm of the ministry.  
After the GCAA was established in 2002, the authority first operated in the lower flat of the Ministry of Public Works building before moving to rent space in other buildings around the city, until an unused government building was secured, which the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority has occupied to this date.

Mohamed added that Ogle is the ideal spot for the aviation body, since it is now closer to one of the country’s international airports; and given the work of the GCAA, which involves oversight, the location could not have been a better one.

He added that a major part of the work of the Civil Aviation Authority entails monitoring and dealing with domestic operations, and the Ogle site will see even greater accessibility to those operating within the industry.