—Education Minister says investment will equip engineers, technicians to support expanding aviation sector
THE development of a skilled aviation workforce is critical as Guyana continues to expand its aviation sector and broader national infrastructure, Education Minister Sonia Parag says.
The Minister made these remarks on Wednesday while addressing the opening of the new facility at the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School at Ogle, East Coast Demerara.
Speaking on behalf of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Minister Parag said the modern facility represents a significant investment in strengthening Guyana’s aviation ecosystem and ensuring that the country develops the skilled professionals required to support the industry.
“This new building represents an investment in improving the quality of aeronautical training. It provides more modern, convenient and first-class facilities in which aviation engineers and other professionals can acquire the knowledge and technical skills required for a demanding and highly specialised industry,” she said.
She noted that aviation plays a critical role in Guyana’s development, particularly given the country’s geography, and the need to connect remote communities.
“Aviation in Guyana is not merely a sector of economic activity; it is a lifeline,” she emphasised.
She added, “In many parts of our hinterland, aviation is the only reliable bridge connecting citizens to the wider national community.”
Against this backdrop, the minister noted that the success of any aviation system ultimately depends on the competence and training of those who design, maintain and operate it.
“No aviation system can rise higher than the people who design it, maintain it and operate it… Aircraft do not maintain themselves; behind every safe landing and every successful flight is a network of skilled professionals, pilots, engineers, technicians and safety specialists whose training and discipline ensure that the entire system works with precision,” she added.
Parag added that the government continues to invest heavily in education and skills training to ensure that Guyana develops the human capital needed to support emerging and expanding sectors of the economy.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the school, Captain Paul Ronald Reece highlighted the institution’s long history in training aviation professionals.
He explained that the school was established in 1993 after the growing aviation industry in Guyana revealed a shortage of qualified aircraft engineers and mechanics.
“At that time, there were only three licensed aircraft engineers on the airstrip employed by Guyana Airways to service five aircraft,” Reece said while noting that the increase in aviation activity created an urgent need to train local professionals.
Over the years, the institution has evolved into what he described as a successful regional training organisation, attracting students from across the Caribbean and earning approvals from several civil aviation authorities in the region.
Reece added that today, more than 95 per cent of the aircraft engineers and mechanics currently working in Guyana have passed through the school.
Meanwhile, Accountable and General Manager of the institution Nalini Chanderban reflected on the school’s decades-long journey of development and expansion.
She explained that the institution began modestly in the 1990s, operating out of rented classrooms and facilities while gradually building its programmes and gaining regional and national and other accreditation.
According to Chanderban, the school has continuously adapted its training to meet the needs of the aviation sector and other emerging industries.
Today, the school offers modular certificate programmes, diploma courses and degree-level training, while also expanding technical and vocational opportunities for students interested in aviation-related careers.
