Year: 2019

Prime Minister, Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has commended the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) for the seamless execution of its modernization programme.

The programme included the upgrading of major components of the Communications, Navigation, and Surveillance (CNS) Systems, which are responsible for the delivery of safe and efficient air traffic management in and around the island.

“I extend the nation’s gratitude and congratulations to the inspiring Jamaican men and women who continue to play a vital role in Jamaica’s provision of safe and efficient navigation services to the national and international community,” he said.

The Prime Minister was speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony at the re-opening of the recently upgraded Kingston Air Traffic Control Centre, in Kingston.

The upgrading project included the installation of a new state-of-the-art voice communication control system; a cutting-edge, system-wide air traffic management automation surveillance system; and a new global positioning system (GPS).

Prime Minister Holness noted that Jamaica is known internationally as an efficient and safe air transportation location.

“As a result of our efficient, seamless, and safe operations, passengers, businesses, and other stakeholders confidently rely on Jamaica’s navigation services for its contribution to a safe global air traffic management system and safe and efficient passage through Jamaica’s strategic and highly traversed air space,” he stated

He emphasized that although the country has an enviable record of high performance in aviation, continuous improvements are needed to maintain the high standard.

“As we navigate the complexities, mixed fortunes, and an array of opportunities that have characterized the first two decades of the 21st century, the development of air transport is one of the priority issues for the Jamaican government,” Mr. Holness said.

He added that developments throughout the country’s air transport system emphasize the focus of the government’s policy framework to support aviation and enable the right conditions for growth, access, and inclusiveness concerning the global economy. “Targeted upgrades will include our air navigation services infrastructure, aeronautical information management, and aviation route development to enhance synergies and cooperative support for other industries, such as tourism and trade,” he informed.

“The best-connected countries in the world are the most prosperous… Aviation is the link between people, resources, and opportunities, but more than that, it is the link between people, family, friends, and nations. It brings the world together, and it creates a link beyond our borders,” Prime Minister Holness added.

Meanwhile, JCAA Director General, Nari Williams-Singh explained that most aspects of the modernization programme have been completed.

“The upgrade to the KATCC and the two new air traffic control towers are complete. The Aeronautical Information Management project is about 90 percent complete, and the implementation of DVOR (Doppler Variable Omni Range) navigation aids has begun and should be commissioned in the first half of 2020 and 2021 for Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) and Sangster International Airport (SIA), respectively,” he explained.

The Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA), through its training arm, the Civil Aviation Authority Training Institute (CAATI), is currently hosting an International Civil Aviation (ICAO) Global Training Course in Kingston.

The training programme, entitled ‘Managing Compliance with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs)’ is being held as part of the Authority’s commitment to maintaining international standards in aviation.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on February 25, JCAA Director General Nari Williams-Singh explained that it is crucial to provide adequate management and technical training to senior and middle managers of civil aviation authorities (CAAs) who manage the implementation of the SARPs.

“The course was fashioned to achieve harmonised implementation of ICAO SARPs, which is contingent upon the competence of civil aviation managers and the support of member countries in reaching the objectives of ICAO Global Plans and regional safety and security groups,” he said.

The Director General explained that the training programme is part of an agreement between ICAO and the government of the People’s Republic of China.“A dedicated project was initiated to develop and deliver training aimed at this core group of managers of civil aviation authorities funded by the China South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund,” he said.“

The goal of this joint ICAO-China project is to develop a blended course that combines online learning with a five-day interactive competency-based training aimed at civil aviation authorities’ management personnel of ICAO member states,” the Director General added.

Mr. Williams-Singh said this is to enhance competencies in leading ICAO SARPs implementation among senior and middle managers of CAAs across the Caribbean region, including Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, the Turks and Caicos Islands, Aruba, and Jamaica.

“As aviation continues to become more complex and technically advanced, the voluntary contribution provided by the Government of China will support ICAO to provide targeted and competence-based training to CAAs in many regions, with a goal to enhance the skills of identified personnel to manage the aviation system in their countries,” he pointed out.

Mr. Williams-Singh said that the ICAO’s global aviation training office will oversee the development and delivery of the project in close coordination with ICAO bureaus and regional offices, as well as with the Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China.

Also participating in the training were personnel from the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS).

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