THE Governments of Guyana and the United States yesterday, signed an ‘open skies’ agreement, which will repeal and replace all existing air services agreements between the two countries. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Robeson Benn, said it allows for the elimination of restrictions on how often the carriers fly and the types of aircraft they use.
He pointed out that the two countries have been exchanging route rights and designated airlines on a reciprocal basis under a 1946 Bermuda 1 Agreement, which will now be repealed and replaced.
“…that is an agreement by the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which came into force in 1946 and remained in force after Guyana gained independence,” the minister explained.
Benn, whose portfolio includes Transport, said he is very pleased to sign the pact while Guyana is celebrating its 100th anniversary of civil aviation.
He stated, further, that the U.S. and its aviation pioneers have played a pivotal role with respect to the development, establishment and sustaining of aviation, and this arrangement between the two countries will make it possible for airlines of both countries to offer the travelling and shipping public a variety of service options.
According to him, to date, the U.S. has concluded air travel service deals with five other CARICOM countries – Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts/Nevis and Suriname, and in the South and North America, there are also arrangements with Brazil, Columbia, Costa Rica and Canada.
Benn noted that the one between Guyana and the U.S. will also encourage individual airlines to develop and implement innovative and competitive prices.
He added,“This agreement is expected to liberalise the rules for international aviation markets and minimise government intervention as it applies to passenger, all cargo and combination air transportation, as well as scheduled and charter services.”

Increasing opportunities
Benn said the documentation will also allow for more strengthening and expanding of trade and tourism links with the U.S., benefiting businesses and travellers of both countries, by increasing opportunities for air services while preserving the government’s commitments to aviation, safety, efficiency and security.
Signing on behalf of his country, American Ambassador Mr. Brent Hardt said that the U.S. has more than 100 open skies partners around the world, and warmly welcomes Guyana as the newest member of this vital international partnership.
He said it would help create open markets, new jobs, and also make it easier for people to travel, interact, share information and  build businesses together.
“The Guyanese Diaspora, which has its extensive links of family and friendships, is likely to be one of the primary beneficiaries of this agreement, given that they make up one of the most significant elements of expanding air travel between Guyana and the United States,” the diplomat asserted.
He expressed the opinion that the agreement signals an auspicious start to the second century of civil aviation in Guyana, adding that several airfields in this country, including the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), which was originally known as Atkinson Field, began as a US Army airstrip and part of their joint allied efforts in World War Two, ferrying supplies to Africa and Europe.
“At the end of the day, this agreement really is about deepening relationships between people. The U.S. is a big believer of people-to-people diplomacy, and I think this agreement will help facilitate those personal ties,” the envoy said.