ICAO Symposium Highlights Role of Aviation in Guyana’s Development

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, has underscored the essential contribution of aviation to Guyana’s national development strategy, particularly in relation to climate, food, and energy security. Speaking at the Third Annual Ministerial Roundtable during the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium 2025 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), he emphasized the aviation sector’s importance in achieving the country’s long-term objectives.

“To realize the development of Guyana and enhance the lives of our citizens, it is crucial that we cultivate a strong aviation sector,” Minister Edghill asserted.

During his address, he reaffirmed Guyana’s dedication to global sustainability, referencing the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 and the country’s extensive forests, which play a significant role in providing essential environmental services globally.

Aviation serves as a critical lifeline for the hinterland regions of Guyana, with over 120 aerodromes catering to more than 232 indigenous communities. “Given our unique terrain, aviation is indispensable for delivering services to our populace,” the Minister elaborated.

Moreover, the aviation sector is pivotal to agriculture, aiding Guyana in spearheading CARICOM’s initiative to reduce the regional food import bill by 25% by 2025. The efficiency of air transport ensures that food products reach both local and international markets seamlessly.

Minister Edghill also highlighted the booming tourism sector, particularly eco-tourism, which has gained recognition as a must-visit destination in international travel journals. Passenger arrivals are expected to exceed the national population by 2024. “We have already achieved net-zero emissions, and sustainability is a cornerstone of our operations,” he emphasized.

The Minister noted that the rise in offshore oil and gas activities has escalated the demand for helicopter services, reinforcing the notion that aviation is integral not only to a green economy but also to advancing the blue economy.

To support this growth, Guyana has bolstered its aviation sector through collaborations with ICAO and other global entities, focusing on airspace safety and workforce development. “We are grateful for our recent TRAINAIR certification, which enables us to better serve the Caribbean community and expand our capabilities in the aviation sector,” Minister Edghill remarked.

The ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium 2025 served as an important platform for Guyana to highlight its aviation progress while fostering international cooperation for sustainable growth within the sector.