THE preliminary results of the latest International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Safety Audit have revealed that Guyana has achieved an overall score of 66.36 per cent in the effective implementation of the ICAO standards.

This was according to a press release issued by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) on Thursday.

According to the release, Guyana is a signatory to the ICAO Convention on International Civil Aviation (also known as the Chicago Convention).

As a member State of ICAO and a participant in the ICAO Universal Safety Oversight Audit-Continuous Monitoring Approach (USOAP-CMA) Programme, Guyana commits to providing ongoing information related to the establishment and implementation of its safety oversight system.

“The ICAO audited Guyana from May 29, 2024, to June 11, 2024, under the USOAP-CMA programme. The preliminary results revealed that Guyana achieved an overall score of 66.36 per cent in the effective implementation of the ICAO standards.

“Notably, Guyana’s performance surpassed its 2007 ICAO audit, and the last four audits conducted by ICAO within the South American region. This is a commendable achievement for our nation,” the release said.

It was disclosed that the audit was robust and comprehensive and covered the Convention on International Civil Aviation and the safety-related provisions of its Annexes in the following eight areas: legislation, organisation, personnel licensing, aircraft operations, airworthiness of aircraft, aircraft accident and incident investigation, air navigation services and aerodromes and ground aids.
With the exception of aircraft accidents and incident investigations. Each audit area was assessed using eight critical elements: primary aviation legislation; specific operating regulations; state system and functions; qualified technical personnel; technical guidance, tools and provision of safety-critical information; licensing, certification, authorisation and/or approval obligations; surveillance obligations; and resolution of safety issues, the release added.

Eight ICAO experts in the various audit areas conducted the audit.

“The GCAA expresses its deep appreciation to His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali through the Cabinet for the support given to the Authority.

Special thanks to Minister Bishop Juan Edghill for providing the requisite support and guidance necessary for a successful audit; to Minister Deodat Indar who was tasked by the Cabinet to oversee the audit preparation and lend support to the team at the GCAA; to Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir A. Nandlall S.C. and his staff for working diligently to ensure the timely and successful passage of the amendment to the Civil Aviation Act 2018 and for the approval of the Civil Aviation Regulations.

“Sincere appreciation to the domestic air operators for their cooperation and support and to the entire Parliament for unanimously passing the amendments to the Civil Aviation Act 2018.

“Special thanks to the Chairman and Board of Directors of GCAA, management, technical and support staff who worked diligently to ensure Guyana performed well on the audit,” the authority said in its release.

It used the opportunity to assure that it will continue to work with the government and various stakeholders to address the ICAO’s findings and recommendations.