Civil Aviation Authority to get new Director General

Last Updated on Saturday, 6 June 2015, 19:58 by GxMedia

by Zena Henry

The country’s aviation oversight body, Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is slated to receive a new Director General as government is expected to advertise the post in the near future.

This has become necessary since the former Director General Zulphicar Mohamed retired on May 31and his employment contract, which existed under the last administration, expired early this month.

Mohamed who has spent some 34 years of his life in the aviation sector occupied the senior post of the aviation body around the period of 2008.  He told Demerara Waves Saturday May 6 that he retired from his post having reached the age of retirement.

He said his contract is also up and the current government has requested to review all contracts, so an extension of his stay in the agency might be dependent on the review process.  He suggested that under the old Administration his contract would have been renewed but he is aware that the government would want to review the contract.

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson who also has responsibility for the aviation sector, told Demerara Waves that he was informed of Mohamed’s retirement. He said Air Navigation Services Director Chaitrani Heeralall is now the GCAA’s acting Director General as she is one of the more senior persons after Mohamed.

When asked about the possible retention of Mohamed, Patterson said that the former Director General would have retired and the fitting thing is to advertise for a replacement to the post. He said that Mohamed would have a chance like any other person to apply for the top GCAA job if he wishes to continue his service in the aviation sector.

One of the main functions of the GCAA is to monitor civil aviation and to ensure that it complies with international standards. The sector has over the years come in for criticisms from various sectors especially in light of several aircraft accidents and incidents. A review of the entire aviation sector was being touted by this government while in opposition.