Oct 3, 2026
3 min read
The Aviation Operators’ Association of Guyana is urging regional governments to use new international offers of financial and technical support to strengthen aviation safety oversight across the Caribbean.
In an October 2 statement, the association commended the Government and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority for hosting two international aviation meetings, saying the events provided an opportunity to advance regional cooperation and safety priorities.
The meetings began with the third global aviation safety conference organised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency on September 29 and 30. This was followed on October 1 by the Caribbean High-Level Symposium on Aviation Safety.
According to the association, the events brought together senior representatives from more than 100 countries, including aviation regulators and industry companies such as Airbus and Bell Helicopters.
The association also recognised Aviation Minister Deodat Indar, Director General of Civil Aviation Egbert Field and Deputy Director of Civil Aviation Dr Saheed Suliman for their contributions to the meetings.
International Support for Regional Safety
Beyond hosting the events, the association pointed to renewed momentum behind efforts to strengthen the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Service, known as CASSOS, as a significant outcome.
It said the International Civil Aviation Organisation, European Union Aviation Safety Agency and United States Federal Aviation Administration offered financial and technical support to help the regional body develop and fully operationalise its capabilities.
Stronger regional oversight could improve consistency in aviation safety and security standards, build local expertise and support a more integrated Caribbean aviation system, the association said.
That goal was also raised during the symposium’s industry perspectives session, where association President Captain Learie Barclay called for urgent and full support for CASSOS.
Barclay also advanced a Caribbean “One Sky” vision, described as the “CARISKY Umbrella”, as a framework for improving cooperation, connectivity and efficiency across the region.
New Opportunities for Guyanese Operators
Alongside the regional safety agenda, the meetings also highlighted opportunities for Guyana to expand its aviation links with other countries.
The association welcomed air services agreements signed with Greece, Panama and France, saying they create opportunities for Guyanese air operators to conduct commercial services between Guyana and those countries and their dependencies.
However, the statement did not announce specific new routes or dates for services to begin.
Guyana also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Dominican Republic on sustainability in civil aviation.
The association contributed to the programme by hosting a business networking breakfast on September 30 and leading the industry perspectives session at the following day’s symposium.
It said the meetings demonstrated Guyana’s ability to bring international aviation stakeholders together and advance shared regional priorities.
The association pledged to continue working with the Government, CASSOS, the Caribbean Community and international partners to translate the commitments into a safer and more connected Caribbean aviation system.
