ON this International Civil Aviation Day, we celebrate the inspiring journeys of seven exceptional women shaping Guyana’s skies. Their paths to success as Guyanese Women in Aviation with a Guyana Licence reveal resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in a field often dominated by men.

Anjalee Ramnauth: Navigating New Horizons
Anjalee Ramnauth’s journey into aviation is a testament to seizing unexpected opportunities. A Queen’s College graduate exploring career options, she responded to a newspaper ad on a whim, unaware it would lead her to the skies.
Her career began in 2018 with Aeronautical Information Management training, described as learning a new language where precision and safety are paramount. Despite the challenges, Anjalee’s determination earned her an Air Traffic Control Assistant position, where she supported safety-critical operations and developed a deep passion for aviation.
In 2020, she advanced to Aerodrome Control training, achieving her ATC licence in 2021. From managing aerodrome traffic at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport to earning her Approach Control rating in 2024, Anjalee thrives in high-pressure environments, solving problems with calm precision.
Beyond her role, Anjalee balances her career with academics, pursuing a degree in Geography at the University of Guyana. With ambitions to make aviation environmentally sustainable, she embodies the synergy between growth and ecological responsibility in Guyana’s expanding aviation sector.

Selena Singh: The Path of Perseverance

Selena Singh’s story is one of persistence and dedication. Starting as an Administrative Assistant at the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority in 2017, she discovered her passion for air traffic control after witnessing its dynamic challenges.
Although her first attempt to enter training fell short, Selena’s determination paid off when she reapplied and began training in 2020. Juggling rigorous coursework during the pandemic, she persevered, completing Flight Information Services and Aerodrome Training by 2023.
Today, Selena is a licensed Aerodrome Air Traffic Control Officer at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean. Handling approximately 150 daily aircraft movements, Selena excels in multitasking, quick decision-making, and maintaining focus under pressure.
For Selena, air traffic control is more than a job—it’s a purpose. From connecting people worldwide to ensuring medical emergencies are swiftly addressed, her work brings her immense satisfaction.

Shelly K. George: Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Futures
Born in Agricola, Shelly K. George’s life was shaped by early challenges. Losing her mother during her teenage years, Shelly was driven to honour her memory through hard work and determination.
Her six-year training journey to becoming a licensed Air Traffic Controller included completing multiple courses and overcoming the societal norms of a male-dominated profession. Shelly’s career at the Ogle Control Tower has honed her skills in communication, multitasking, and maintaining composure under pressure.

Shelly’s impact extends beyond her role. A mentor to aspiring air traffic controllers, she envisions contributing to the Guyana Civil Aviation Training School, inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals.
In her downtime, Shelly enjoys travelling, cooking, and cherishing moments with loved ones. Her success is a beacon for young women, proving that determination can overcome any barrier.

Cameba Bayley-Sundar: Championing Aviation Security in Guyana
From humble beginnings, Cameba Bayley-Sundar ascended to become the Manager of Aviation Security at the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in 2020, the youngest female in such a role at the organisation. With nearly a decade of dedicated service, she has been instrumental in enhancing aviation safety and security in Guyana.
Armed with a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Guyana and an MBA in Project Management from Edinburgh Napier University, Bayley-Sundar exemplifies the power of education in breaking barriers. Her certifications as an ICAO Aviation Security Manager and National Aviation Security Inspector, alongside specialised training in areas like crisis management, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism, reflect her unwavering commitment to safeguarding Guyana’s aviation sector.
A transformative moment in her career was her participation in the Women in Aviation Program in the UAE in 2018. This global exchange of knowledge enabled her to pioneer improvements in Guyana’s aviation security systems, which now adhere to rigorous international standards.
“I see aviation security as both a passion and a responsibility,” she shared. “Every policy implemented, every risk mitigated contributes to a safer global aviation ecosystem.”
Her role demands overseeing security protocols at Guyana’s major airports, auditing international and domestic operators, and mentoring aspiring aviation professionals. Despite her many accomplishments, Bayley-Sundar remains a devoted advocate for women in aviation, aiming to inspire future leaders to dream big and persevere.

Rainette Benfield: From Aspiring Artist to Air Traffic Control Officer
For Rainette Benfield, the journey to becoming an Air Traffic Control Officer began with a childhood love for the arts and evolved into a fascination with aviation. Growing up in Beterverwagting, a village with limited opportunities, Benfield’s determination to break into aviation saw her persistently pursuing information and training opportunities with the GCAA.
After setbacks, including delays in securing training and the challenge of balancing motherhood with her studies, Benfield’s resilience paid off. She began training in 2020, juggling her responsibilities as a young mother with the rigorous demands of becoming an Air Traffic Control Assistant and later advancing to Aerodrome Traffic Controller.
Her training coincided with personal milestones, including the birth of her two children, whom she credits as her motivation to succeed. Despite challenges—including a failed assessment—Benfield’s resolve remained unshaken. By September 2024, she proudly earned her licence as an Air Traffic Control Officer.

Now managing air traffic at Ogle Airport, Benfield ensures the safe departure and arrival of aircraft while guiding pilots with precision. Reflecting on her journey, she emphasises the importance of perseverance:
“Take the leap! Twenty years from now, you’ll regret the chances you didn’t take more than the ones you did.”
Benfield’s story extends beyond aviation. A passionate artisan, she dreams of one day opening a handmade crafts store to achieve a better work-life balance.

Anesia Isaacs: Navigating the Skies with Precision

With eight years in the aviation sector, Anesia Isaacs has become a symbol of commitment and expertise. A graduate of St. Rose’s High School, Anesia initially pursued studies in environmental science, captivated by the mysteries of the natural world. However, her thirst for excitement and purpose led her to the field of air traffic control—a decision she describes as life-changing.

Anesia’s career began with foundational training as an air traffic controller. Over time, she earned Aerodrome and Approach Control ratings, qualifications critical to ensuring the seamless and safe flow of air traffic. In addition to her technical skills, she actively pursued continuous education in Aeronautical Information Services and Air Traffic Control Services, staying ahead of industry advancements.
Today, Anesia stands as a role model for aspiring aviation professionals. Her journey underscores the importance of passion, precision, and perseverance in a field where every decision can impact countless lives. Her dedication to the skies reflects her commitment to making air travel safer and more efficient, a true hallmark of an aviation professional.

Allison Smith: From Arts to Aviation Excellence

At just 25 years old, Allison Smith has emerged as a rising star in Guyana’s aviation industry. Hailing from the village of Meten-Meer-Zorg on the West Coast of Demerara, Allison’s journey to the control tower was anything but conventional.
An artist at heart, Allison’s early years were filled with creative pursuits, from painting and poetry to acting. While attending St. Joseph’s High School, her interest shifted to psychology, inspiring her to enroll at the American University of Peace Studies to pursue forensic psychology.
However, fate had other plans. A job opening at the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) as an Air Traffic Controller’s Assistant changed the course of her life. Out of 300 applicants, Allison was among the final 15 selected. Juggling psychology classes and rigorous training was challenging, but she chose to focus on her new career path.

Her dedication paid off when she became an Aerodrome Controller at Eugene F. Correia International Airport. The COVID-19 pandemic brought yet another opportunity, leading her to secure the coveted position of Approach Air Traffic Controller at Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
Despite the challenges, Allison’s achievements in just three years are extraordinary. She attributes her success to the unwavering support of her family, her faith, and the mentorship of pioneering women in aviation. Her message to aspiring young women is clear: “The sky’s the limit. Take that leap of faith.”

Inspiring the Next Generation
On this International Civil Aviation Day, Anesia Isaacs and Allison Smith stand as inspirations for young women across Guyana and beyond. Their journeys highlight the diverse paths that lead to success in aviation, a field that demands resilience, continuous learning, and an unyielding commitment to safety.

As Guyana’s airspace grows increasingly critical in the global aviation network, these women’s contributions underscore the importance of diversity and inclusion in shaping the future of the industry. Their stories remind us that with determination and passion, there truly are no limits to what one can achieve.
As Guyana’s aviation sector expands amid economic growth and tourism, these women represent the heart of its transformation. They’ve shattered stereotypes, embraced challenges, and contributed to making air travel safer and more efficient.
This World Aviation Day, we salute these women trailblazers ensuring Guyana’s skies are not just busy but safe and inspiring for generations to come. Their stories remind us that no matter the odds, the sky is not the limit—it’s just the beginning.

The information and interviews presented are a product of the work of Simone Dowding, Founder and Chief Director of Purple Arts Productions, who consistently acknowledged the vital role of Guyanese women in the aviation sector.