Georgetown : Today a bilateral Air Transport agreement was signed between the Governments of Guyana and the United States that will pave the way for a liberalised aviation relationship between the two that permits unrestricted air services by their airlines.
The current accord, will replace the 1946 Agreement between the Governments of the United Kingdom and the US that has been in effect since 1966 when the country gained Independence.
The agreement was signed by Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn who has oversight for the aviation sector and US Ambassador Mr. Brent Hardt, on behalf of the US Government.
Minister Benn explained that the conclusion of the agreement, also known as the Open Skies Agreement, will clarify restrictions on how often the carriers fly and the types of aircraft they use.
“The new open skies agreement will replace all existing air services agreements between Guyana and the United States,” he said.
The US has concluded air travel services with five Caricom countries namely Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Kitts and Nevis and Suriname. In South and North America there are also arrangements with Brazil, Columbia, Costa Rica and Canada.
“This agreement is expected to liberalise the rules for international aviation markets and minimise government’s intervention as it applies to passengers, all cargo and combination air transportation, as well as scheduled and chartered services,” Minister Benn emphasised.
He added that the agreement will also aid the further strengthening and expansion of trade and tourism links with the US; benefiting businesses and travellers of both countries by increasing opportunities for air services, while preserving the commitment for aviation safety, efficiency and security.
Ambassador, Hardt while welcoming Guyana to the initiative noted that the US has about 100 similar relations with other countries.
“It eliminates restrictions on how often carriers fly, the kind of aircraft they may use, the prices they charge; it facilitates transportation, trade and tourism between our countries, and it demonstrates a shared commitment to open competitive market based on international economic system,” Ambassador Hardt pointed out.
Further, all of those will help create open markets, and new jobs, make it easier for people to travel, interact, and share and build new businesses.
Ambassador Hardt acknowledged that the Guyanese Diaspora is likely to be one of the primary beneficiaries of the agreement, given that they make up one of the most significant elements of expanding air travel between the US and Guyana.
The signing of the agreement also comes at a time when Guyana is celebrating 100 years of Civil Aviation and signals an auspicious start to the second century of civil aviation in Guyana.
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