THE Aviation Operators Association of Guyana (AOAG) has extended its warmest congratulations to the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) on the resounding success of the 3rd Global ICAO–EASA RSOO/RAIO Safety Conference, held in Guyana from September 29–30, 2026, and the Caribbean High-Level Symposium on Aviation Safety on October 1, 2026.
The conferences were landmark international aviation events, bringing together senior representatives from more than 100 countries, including leaders of major civil aviation authorities such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transport Canada (TC), as well as senior delegations from Airbus, Bell Helicopters, GECI and other major international aviation companies, a press release said.
It added that the AOAG particularly congratulates Deodat Indar, Minister of Aviation; Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field, Director-General of Civil Aviation; and Dr. Saheed Suliman, Deputy Director of Civil Aviation, for their leadership and contribution to the outstanding execution of this important global event.
Further, the organisation said that of particular significance to Guyana’s aviation industry was the signing of Air Services Agreements with Greece, Panama, and France, which have created new opportunities for Guyanese air operators to conduct commercial services between Guyana and these countries and their dependencies. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Sustainability in Civil Aviation with the Dominican Republic further demonstrated Guyana’s growing role in shaping the future of regional and international aviation, it added.
CASSOS: A CARIBBEAN IMPERATIVE
The AOAG also considers the most important strategic outcome of the conference to be the renewed momentum towards the strengthening and complete constitution of the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Service (CASSOS) as the CARICOM Regional Safety Organisation.
The press release noted that during the discussions at the Caribbean High-Level Symposium on Aviation Safety, major aviation authorities from around the world including ICAO, EASA and the FAA offered financial and technical support to CASSOS to enable it to develop and fully operationalise its required capabilities.
“The AOAG regards this international commitment as a significant opportunity for the Caribbean. A strong, properly constituted CASSOS will provide the foundation for greater harmonisation of aviation safety and security oversight, enhanced regional capability and a more integrated Caribbean aviation system,” the release said.
AOAG ADVANCES THE CARIBBEAN “ONE SKY” VISION
According to the release, the organisation was proud to contribute actively to the conference and symposium. The association hosted a High-Level Business Networking Breakfast on the morning of September 30 and subsequently led the Industry Perspectives session of the Caribbean High-Level Symposium on Aviation Safety.
During that session, the AOAG President, Capt. Learie Barclay made a passionate appeal for the urgent and complete support of CASSOS and advanced the vision for a Caribbean “ONE SKY” — the CARISKY UMBRELLA — as a framework for greater regional cooperation, connectivity, and efficiency in Caribbean aviation.
“The AOAG was particularly impressed by the exceptional quality of organisation, professionalism and execution of the Conference and related events. The programme was flawlessly delivered and reflected great credit on Guyana, the GCAA and all involved.
The Association believes that Guyana has demonstrated, decisively, that it can serve not only as a participant in the international aviation community, but as a convenor, catalyst, and leader in advancing Caribbean aviation.
The Aviation Operators Association of Guyana once again congratulates the Government of Guyana, the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, the Minister of Aviation, the Director General, the Deputy Director General, and their respective teams on an outstanding achievement.
The Caribbean aviation community has been given an important opportunity. The AOAG stands ready to work with Government, CASSOS, CARICOM and international aviation partners to seize it — and to build a safer, stronger and more connected Caribbean ONE SKY,” the release added.
