The Tribune

By LETRE SWEETING

Tribune Staff Reporter

lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

DEPUTY director general of tourism Dr Kenneth Romer urged drone users to register their technology with the Civil Aviation Authority, saying the failure of people to do this has been a long-standing concern.

“The regulation of air drones has been a concern, so what CAAB is doing is it’s trying to ensure there’s proper regulation,” he said last week. “They can become obstacles for air traffic. So for photographers and others, we’re just asking you to follow the best practice and follow the proper regulations. This is very important, because we’re not going to put the safety of air users at risk.”

The CAAB requires recreational users of drones of under 50 kilos to register free for a certificate. However, there is a fee for commercial use of drones and use of drones over 50 kilos.

Dr Romer also said the Bahamas Aeronautical Academy and an aviation cadet programme are coming.

As a part of the government’s national aviation strategic plan, improving airport infrastructure and enhancing strategic partnerships have been prioritised, he said.

Three initiatives for human capital development include an aviation cadet programme, the Bahamas Aeronautical Academy and sending more people in the sector to Qatar to gain experience.

The Deputy Prime Minister recently announced that The Bahamas has signed a memorandum of understanding with Qatar and Saudi Arabia regarding matters of mutual interest, including air connectivity, development of aviation, knowledge sharing, human capital development and infrastructural development.

“We’re partnered again with the Live and Give Foundation,” Mr Romer said on Thursday. “At Jet Nassau we hosted, for the first time, almost 200 young persons to expose them to aviation practices, opportunities and an empowerment exercise.

“I’m very pleased that we are offering our existing aviation professionals a chance to jumpstart and accelerate their career.”

“And I’m very pleased that the two persons who have been targeted in our first cluster are both females. That continues to underscore our commitment to supporting women in aviation.

“We have a widespread industry-wide succession planning exercise to make sure that we give the next generation of aviation professionals the tools they need to take over this industry and to ensure success.”