Gov’t Committed to Quality Air Transport System

Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, Hon. Dr. Morais Guy, said the Government is fully committed to maintaining a quality air transport system that is above world average in terms of safety and security standards.

He noted that while there are challenges, no effort will be spared to ensure that the country’s aviation system continues to be ranked amongst the best and safest in the world.

“We continue to ensure the maintenance of a safe, reliable, efficient and user- friendly air transport system, which accords with the standards and recommended practices developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO),” he said.

Dr. Guy was addressing the opening of the ICAO’s council meeting on Monday, October 12, at the Iberostar Hotel in Lilliput, St. James.

He informed that Jamaica has undertaken initiatives to upgrade its air navigation system and infrastructure, and to develop a more robust and competitive industry through, among other things, the privatisation of the Norman Manley International Airport which, he said, “is far advanced.”

The legislative and regulatory frameworks have also been upgraded to facilitate the effective functioning and governance of the civil aviation industry as evidenced by the recent passage through the Houses of Parliament of amendments to the Civil Aviation Act.

The amendments, which were passed in the Senate on October 2, and in the House of Representatives on September 15, seek to increase the membership of the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) Board.

The Bill proposes to appoint three additional persons to serve on the board, which will bring the total up from nine to 12. This will enable the entity to manage its workload more effectively and efficiently and meet the increased demands of the global civil aviation community and the ICAO.

For his part, Director General of the JCCA, Nari Williams-Singh, said his organisation continues to prioritise safety and efficiency through “our robust oversight processes, service provision, and the implementation of the requirements of the Global Aviation Safety Plan and the Global Air Navigation Plan.”

He noted that the sector continues to weather “one of the worst economic storms the world has ever seen” but noted that the industry is poised to become stronger, safer and more efficient as a result of collaborative initiatives among stakeholders.