BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, Jun 11, CMC – The Barbados government says it formally deposited its instruments of ratification for two protocols amending the Convention on International Civil Aviation, further reinforcing its commitment to active participation in global aviation governance.
Barbados’ High Commissioner to Canada and Permanent Representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Gline Clarke, presented the instruments during a courtesy call on ICAO’s Secretary General, Juan Carlos Salazar in Montreal earlier this month.
The ratified protocols pertain to amendments of Articles 50 (a) and 56 of the Convention. The Amendment to Article 50 (a) increases the membership of the ICAO Council from 36 to 40, aimed at achieving more equitable global representation.
The Amendment to Article 56 expands the Air Navigation Commission from 19 to 21 members, enhancing the Commission’s ability to draw from a wider pool of technical expertise and operational experience.
Clarke noted that the ratification of these amendments signals Barbados’ intent to elevate its profile in international civil aviation and deepen its collaboration with ICAO, saying it “enhanced representation within ICAO’s decision-making bodies will yield significant benefits for Barbados’ national aviation sector and reflects the country’s robust and evolving regulatory framework”.
Barbados’ commitment to fulfilling its international obligations is evidenced by the enactment of the Civil Aviation Act, 2022, and the establishment of the Barbados Civil Aviation Authority on June 1, 2023.
The country also continues to support regional aviation safety and oversight initiatives, including the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System, and values ICAO’s ongoing support in capacity building across the CARICOM region.
Salazar welcomed Barbados’ ratification of the protocols and emphasised ICAO’s continued support to small island developing states, including through its regional office for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
He noted the importance of ongoing collaboration in addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the region.
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