There is a need in Guyana to raise the level of awareness among citizens, especially young people, to help them better understand aviation operations, security and management.
A Government Information Agency (GINA) release stated that this was highlighted on Monday by Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn during his address at the opening of a one-week exhibition and audio display in honour of International Civil Aviation Day to be observed on Friday.
The exhibition, organized by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), is being held at the National Museum, Georgetown, under the theme ‘Global Air Transport – A Driver of Sustainable Economic, Social and Cultural Development.’ It includes a pictorial display of various aspects of aviation in Guyana and the wider air transport community.
Benn said that the GCAA plays an important role and needs to do more to educate the public on its functions and responsibilities to promote greater appreciation of its work and that of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
Meanwhile, Benn highlighted the need for the establishment of a museum in this regard and other initiatives to educate people on aviation. Reference was made to the encouragement of young people in the sector in careers such as pilots, engineers and air navigators.
He also noted that strengthened communication and transport to interior communities, security at the national border and the fight against malaria and other diseases in the hinterland are linked to aviation in Guyana. Issues such as weather, topography and geography are still some of the main challenges facing the sector and are engaging the administration’s attention, Benn added.
Director of Air Navigation Services of the GCAA, Artie Heeralall said aviation has definitely contributed to Guyana’s social, economic and cultural development. Reference was made to the importance of aviation in the transport of mail and cargo.
She also highlighted some of the achievements made over the years with regard to aviation including establishment of the Art Williams-Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School in 1992, formation of the GCAA in 2002 and the opening of the Ogle Municipal Airport during this year.
