Captain Learie Barclay returns to helm of AOAG

Captain Learie Barclay was on Monday re-elected President of the Aviation Operators’ Association of Guyana (AOAG) for the year 2026-2027 when the organisation hosted its annual general meeting on Monday.
In addition, Capt Andre Farinha was elected First Vice President, while Lt Col Miguel Benjamin was elected Second Vice President, and Capt Ronald Reece and Lt Col (Ret’d) Anthony Mekdeci were elected Directors.
In his official report to the association, Captain Barclay emphasised that the association is recognised as a “professional and respectful channel through which the collective voice of aircraft operators can consistently reach those responsible for aviation policy.”
He further pointed out that while this does not mean that “every recommendation has been accepted” nor that “every concern has been resolved”, importantly, “it does mean that this industry is no longer absent from the conversation.”
Barclay underlined the fact that the relationship established does not belong to the executive but represents every operator represented by the Association and noted that the Association is encouraged by the “improvements in aviation infrastructure across Guyana”.
He, however, stated that “there remain aerodromes requiring investment…operational challenges that affect efficiency, safety, and reliability”, but “improvements are being made” and that the Government “has demonstrated a willingness to invest”.
The President of the association pointed out that the association now has its rightful place within the wider Private Sector. Aviation, he pointed out, “carries workers to the mines, supports tourism, delivers supplies to remote communities, facilitates healthcare, enables investment, supports national security, [and] connects families.”
The President observed that “without aviation, large portions of Guyana simply cannot participate fully in our nation’s economic development” and that the “message is increasingly being heard”.
In closing, he promised the association that decisions affecting the industry must never again be made “without this industry’s voice being heard”. That, he said, “is the responsibility of this association.”