–with passage of crucial amendments to Civil Aviation Act

THE government’s commitment to ensuring safety, security, and compliance within its aviation sector took a significant step forward with the passage of the Civil Aviation Act 2024.
Approved during the 81st sitting of the National Assembly at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, (ACCC), the legislation introduces crucial amendments geared at fortifying the regulatory framework governing aviation operations.

The 16 amendments introduced in the Act are a result of identified deficiencies in the 2018 Civil Aviation Act following a recent comprehensive review.
Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, lauded the bipartisan cooperation witnessed during the passage of the bill, emphasising the collective dedication to safeguarding aviation interests as Guyana prepares to undergo an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit.

“When it comes to aviation safety and security, the National Assembly is united…It is sending a very clear message in our growing and expanding industry and we are going to work together. This amendment bill that is before us is necessary at this time because Guyana is about to face an ICAO audit,” he stated.

Underscoring the multifaceted nature of the impending audit, Minister Edghill highlighted a series of critical areas under scrutiny, including legal frameworks, organisational structures, personnel licensing, operational procedures, and accident investigation protocols.

Further, the minister disclosed that the government has engaged the expertise of the ICAO and regional aviation authorities in preparation for the audit. It also strengthened the aviation sector’s infrastructure and operational capabilities, particularly in areas such as aerodrome management and aircraft certification.

Alluding to the significance of the audit on the country, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, described the upcoming audit as a comprehensive recertification process with the entire civil aviation apparatus of Guyana under scrutiny.

He said adherence to international standards is most important to ensure a successful outcome.

“This audit is a recertification… is not the usual run of the mill yearly surveillance audit. This is a total recertification they are looking from the group up, the entire civil aviation apparatus in Guyana is being audited in May going into June. Canada has just been through one of these and the report that came out is that they barely passed this audit,” Minister Indar emphasised.