Guyana has achieved a historic milestone with its election, for the first time, to the Chairmanship of the Special Committee on Transport of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS). The election, which took place during the 31st Extraordinary Session of the ACS Ministerial Council on June 21, 2026, marks a significant step in Guyana’s growing leadership within the Greater Caribbean. Dr. Saheed Sulaman, Deputy Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), will serve as Chairman of the Committee for the 2026 – 2027 term.
The Association of Caribbean States (ACS), established in 1994, is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising 25 Member States and 10 Associate Members, dedicated to promoting cooperation, sustainable development, regional integration, and enhanced connectivity throughout the Greater Caribbean.
Guyana’s election reflects the country’s expanding influence in regional aviation and transport and aligns closely with the vision of His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. One of the President’s Ten Strategic Pillars for Guyana’s aviation sector is to position the country as a regional aviation hub while strengthening regional connectivity. Assuming the Chairmanship of the ACS Special Committee on Transport represents a significant milestone in advancing that national vision.
The achievement also reflects the strategic leadership of Hon. Deodat Indar, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, whose commitment to elevating Guyana’s profile within regional and international aviation has created new opportunities for leadership and collaboration across the Caribbean.
Dr. Sulaman brings nearly two decades of aviation leadership and international negotiating experience to the position. He has successfully negotiated more than 50 Air Services Agreements with over 75 countries across five continents, served for more than 15 years on the CARICOM Technical Negotiating Team on Air Services, held the position of Vice Chairman of the ACS Special Committee on Transport from 2022 to 2023, and was appointed an ICAO Global Ambassador in December 2025.
Welcoming the election, Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field, Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS), stated:
“Our Deputy Director General’s election as Chair of the ACS Special Committee on Transport is a proud achievement for Guyana and the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority. It reflects the growing confidence that our regional partners have in Guyana’s leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to regional integration. I am confident that his collaborative approach will strengthen partnerships, promote practical solutions, and bring the countries of the Greater Caribbean even closer together in building a more connected, resilient, and sustainable transport system.”
As Chairman, Dr. Sulaman will lead the Committee’s work to strengthen regional transport cooperation, improve connectivity, promote sustainable and resilient transport systems, and foster greater collaboration among ACS Member States in support of the region’s economic and social development.
