The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said a recent allocation of $660M will be used to upgrade its navigation and communication systems.
GCAA Interim Director-General Zulfikar Mohamed said the resources, which were allocated last year end, will be used to buy and upgrade the existing equipment. Some of the equipment currently in use at the GCAA has been in operation for more than 20 years, a press release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said.
The GCAA said the allocation is another step in ongoing efforts to improve air transport operations. About 500 persons in aviation security were trained last year, under an initiative conducted with support from the Multilateral Investment Fund. Also, through the Fund, equipment was obtained to boost aviation security at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri and at the Ogle Aerodome.
Additionally an audit on aviation security was done by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) followed by a review of the security regulations and programmes in place. The ICAO is currently considering the results for approval. Mohamed said once the ICAO grants its approval these guidelines will be used in the aviation sector to ensure aviation security is adequately provided by stakeholders.
The US Transportation and Safety Administration also conducted an audit to ensure that the airlines operating from Guyana to that country are in accordance with their security requirements which are in addition to those established by the ICAO. This audit was conducted in November 2007 and, according to Mohamed, the auditors “were very pleased with the security arrangements and operations being maintained at the CJIAC.”
According to GINA, following an ICAO audit in 2006, the GCAA was required to prepare an Action Plan to address the deficiencies that were highlighted. The main issue, the lack of personnel, was addressed through the Regional Aviation Safety Oversight System, a body that comprises aviation authorities from the Caribbean.
