MEMBERS of the Aircraft Owners’ Association of Guyana (AOAG) have said that they are disappointed that the Parliamentary Opposition has seen it fit to cut the entire aviation budget, including the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion programme which is fully supported by both the aviation and tourism industries.

The AOAG in a media release said its members also felt let down that the recommendations urged by the aviation industry for the development of this very important economic sector have received minimal recognition in this year’s budget.

The AOAG stated that following the National Economic Forum in July last year, hosted by the Government, the Aviation Sub-Group of the Forum submitted, in February this year, a comprehensive Policy Proposal and Action Plan for the aviation industry to the Competitive Strategy Steering Committee.

CONFIRMING TO ICAO PRACTICES
The aviation industry’s policy proposal included a menu of measures, all of which were well within the financial reach of the country’s budget and essential for Guyana to conform to the requirements and practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

The industry’s recommendations set out in the policy proposal for the immediate attention of the Government were:
. Independent Aircraft Accident Investigation and prompt public reporting of the findings of these investigations and actions taken by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).

· A National Search and Rescue system with appropriate protocols under the Civil Defence Commission.

· Strengthening of the institutional capacity of the Civil Aviation Authority in order to achieve and maintain a Category 1 United States (US) Federal Aviation Authority/ International Air and Shipping Association (FAA/IASA) status.

· Implementing industry recommendations for hinterland airstrip development to accommodate larger aircraft and with sufficient budgetary funding to support an efficient maintenance and rehabilitation programme.

This plan was subsequently approved by the National Competitive Strategy Council, chaired by his Excellency, the President.

Inexplicably, the AOAG said, these proposals have been ignored in the Budget.

The AOAG said it looks forward to the National Assembly seriously addressing the development of the aviation industry in a constructive and comprehensive manner.

This is indeed necessary, it said, if Guyana is to be expected to meet its developmental objectives and obligations, particularly with regard to the servicing of hinterland communities and mining, forestry and tourism industries.

(By Clifford Stanley)