The Tribune

A Bahamian aviation attorney has been invited by Aruba’s Aircraft Registry to speak at the 2013 Aeropodium offshore aircraft conference. The conference is expected to attract top experts in private and corporate jet aircraft-related arenas.

Llewellyn Boyer-Cartwright, a partner at Callenders & Co and the leading proponent of an international aircraft registry for the Bahamas, said the invitation to address the group came as a complete surprise.

“It is a great honour for the Bahamas to address a prestigious conference in the private and corporate jet arena,” he said, noting that networking and relationships established at events such as Aeropodium will assist the Bahamas, as the country considers the benefits, framework and responsibilities associated with an international registry.

“Given that the present Government, like any government today, has so much to deal with, I think it is only fitting that we take the opportunity to note the progress that the Ministry of Transport & Aviation is making, and thank the Minister and Minister of State, who have been solidly behind this movement, appreciating the potential value of an international aircraft registry and the kind of quality aircraft we want to attract,” said Mr Boyer-Cartwright.

He believes the registry will fuel new businesses, boost employment, bolster financial services and attract additional foreign direct investment (FDI). Mr Boyer-Cartwright feels it could position the country as a regional aviation hub.

The call for an international registry was first made in 1999 by the Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSBN), which commissioned a study that demonstrated the potential benefits. There was little movement, however, until last year when Mr Boyer-Cartwright launched a reinvigorated campaign to establish a registry and, joined by the BFSB, began the drive in earnest, calling on government and aviation officials followed by media interviews.

The proposal gained traction in short order and the Ministry of Transport appointed a consultative committee, naming Mr Boyer-Cartwright and the BFSB, along with aviation specialists and regulators, to the group.

“Along with the honour of the invitation, it is an opportunity to further the relationships we are building with key players who may be able to drive business to local banks, insurance companies, airport facilities and more when we do have a registry that is suitable for corporate and private aircraft,” Mr Boyer-Cartwright said.

He has urged the Government to move “quickly, but judiciously,” to create the regulatory framework necessary for the establishment and maintenance of a registry, noting that other jurisdictions are opening registries faster than ever before.

The Republic of San Marino, he said, launched its aircraft registry in late 2012 and, according to one well-placed source, Guernsey anticipates registering its first aircraft in September.