In accordance with international civil aviation standards and best practices and as required under Standard 8.19 of Annex 9 of Chicago Convention, the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure on behalf of The Gambia Civil Aviation Authority, on Tuesday, 3rd November, 2020, inaugurated the first ever National Civil Aviation Facilitation Committee (NCAFC).
Speaking at the brief ceremony at the Ministry’s conference room, Mod K. Ceesay, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, who deputised for the Hon. Minister, described the inauguration of the committee as very significant. Under the Chicago Convention, The Gambia as a party, he explained, is required to form the committee which will comprise of other government ministries, the security and stakeholders in the aviation industry.
“The work of this particular committee is to facilitate coordination in all agencies or businesses dealing with air transport; whether at policy, operation or security level,” he explained. He stressed the need for quick decision making; especially when it comes to matters of aviation security and safety.
Mr Ceesay further stated that the committee which is now formally inaugurated, is expected to be holding meetings every three months in a year, to be chaired by the Minister of Transport, Works and Infrastructure.