Guyana has assumed the Chairmanship of the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS) for the 2026–2028 term, placing the country at the centre of regional efforts to strengthen aviation safety, security and cooperation.
Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Lt. Col. (Ret’d) Egbert Field, A.A., presided over the 29th CASSOS Board of Directors Meeting on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the Aiden by Best Western Hotel in Georgetown.
The meeting marked the first session chaired by Guyana under Field’s leadership and brought together representatives from all CASSOS member states.
Discussions focused on several key issues affecting the region’s aviation sector, including the full implementation of the CARICOM Multilateral Air Services Agreement (MASA), strategic restructuring of CASSOS, measures to strengthen the organisation’s financial sustainability and further development of the One Stop Security initiative.
The deliberations reflected the member states’ continued efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and ensure that Caribbean aviation systems remain aligned with international safety and security standards.
CASSOS is a specialised unit within CARICOM responsible for supporting aviation safety and security oversight across the Caribbean. Its work includes promoting regional cooperation and helping member states maintain compliance with international aviation standards and best practices.
The organisation’s regional role has become increasingly important as Caribbean states seek to improve connectivity, streamline aviation security procedures and strengthen regulatory capacity.
Guyana’s two-year chairmanship provides an opportunity for the country to contribute to the direction of regional aviation policy while working with other member states on common safety, security and operational priorities.
The Georgetown meeting also provided a platform for member states to address the organisational and financial sustainability of CASSOS, alongside initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency of air travel and security arrangements across participating countries.
The One Stop Security initiative, one of the items discussed, is intended to strengthen cooperation among participating states by reducing duplication in aviation security procedures while maintaining appropriate security standards.
With Guyana holding the CASSOS Chairmanship through 2028, the country is expected to continue supporting regional coordination on aviation safety, security oversight and the implementation of CARICOM aviation initiatives.
