‘Act brings Barbados in line with CASSOS agreement’
Thursday June 23 2011 | 03:35 AM

MINISTER of Transport and Works John Boyce says that the amendments to the Civil Aviation act bring Barbados’ legislation in line with the requirements of the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System agreement signed in July 2008.

Noting that this is a period of dynamism and change in the civil aviation industry, he reminded that challenges of aircraft safety are ever-present, not only as it relates to the movement of people but also the movement of goods.

He noted that the quality of service offered, and requirement to maintain standard by recruitment and maintenance of staff to carry out these requirements must also be taken into consideration.

Minister Boyce said that as officials continue to develop the airport and to meet standards which are acceptable internationally by way of the International Civil Aviation Organisation regulations and the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System, Barbadians must be given the confidence in knowing that Government understands the important nature of air travel and the impact on their lives.

“It is important for us as a government to continue to make our people aware of the international requirements and why certain arrangements may be in place, as sometimes painful as they maybe. Truth be told, ...one criticism has been, of course, the tardiness with which we carry out this transition,” he said.

He reminded that security and international requirements cause delays and cautioned that the threat of terrorism does not disappear overnight.

“This amendment tells us Barbados continues to be in step with the development of the region and continues to be prepared to be leaders in this arrangement and acknowledge our responsibility in terms of taking CARICOM and our partner island states, taking us to the correct position in this whole global exercise.”

“We have another stake in this arrangement – safety. And as a developing society, our dependence on tourism for our viability and economic strength requires that we have a perfectly working transport linkage for people to move around the world with some alacrity,” the Minister added.