WHAT'S ON

Antigua and Barbuda continues to actively participate in the International Civil Aviation Organizations’ (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP).  This after Minister of Civil Aviation, the Hon. John Maginley received official correspondence from the Secretary General of the ICAO Mr. Raymond Benjamin, acknowledging receipt of the signed copies of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) relating to the regulations stipulated by the ICAO for Continuous Monitoring Approach within Antigua and Barbuda.

The Memorandum outlines among other things the responsibilities of member states in providing information in a transparent manner through the USOAP CMA online framework which would allow all members states to have full access to updated information regarding the status of audits; reports, findings, and deficiencies. Member states are also clearly informed of their responsibilities as they relate to the provision of support staff also referred to as National Continuous Monitoring Coordinators, facilitating USOAP CMA on-site activities, as well as undertaking the appropriate course of actions in the specified time periods should any security deficiencies be indentified during audits.

In recognizing the importance of such an undertaking the Hon. Minister of Civil Aviation John Maginley stated that, “the ongoing relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and the ICAO signifies the importance of maintaining optimum levels of safety and security for our nationals and our country that is heavily dependent upon tourism.” He continued that, “we are committed and will continue to strive to meet all aviation safety standards in a manner that is consistent with international regulations.”

Secretary General Benjamin used the official correspondence to thank the nation for its “continued support of the ICAO”.

The overall objectives of the USOAP is to promote global aviation safety through auditing contracting states on a regular basis, to determine states’ capabilities for safety oversight by assessing the effective implementation of the critical elements of a safety oversight system and the status of the states implementation of safety relevant ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS) associated procedures, guidance material and safety related practices.

The critical safety areas include the establishment of primary legislation, operating regulation, organization and safety oversight functions, technical experts training, and guidance procedures and information. The critical safety areas are also inclusive of the implementation of licensing and certification obligations, resolution of safety concerns and surveillance and inspection obligations.

The Oversight Officer currently responsible for safety and security issues within the Ministry of Civil Aviation is Mr. Peter Abraham.