The Tribune

The Bahamas’ top aviation official has been named as global ambassador for the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) for a two-year period that began on November 1, 2026.

The Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation, in a statement, said the appointment of Dr Kenneth Romer, this nation’s director of aviation and deputy director-general of tourism, for the two-year period until November 1, 2028, represents a first for The Bahamas.

This designation follows Dr Romer’s nomination by The Bahamas, and the subsequent ratification and designation from ICAO headquarters in Montreal, Canada.

“We are pleased to designate Dr Kenneth Romer as an ICAO global ambassador, who joins a distinguished group of global experts and leaders from across the aviation sector, empowered to help raise awareness of the diverse opportunities in the aviation sector while supporting the priorities and vision set out in ICAO’s Strategic Plan for 2050,” said Juan Carlos Salazar, ICAO secretary-general.

In his role as an ambassador, Dr Romer will be tasked with helping to expand ICAO’s public outreach by conveying messages about the aviation industry as well as ICAO initiatives and priorities, particularly those related to the future workforce and increased participation of qualified women and youth in the sector.

"Dr Romer’s appointment as an ICAO global ambassador is a source of pride for The Bahamas and a testament to our nation’s expanding influence and leadership in international aviation,” said JoBeth Coleby-Davis, minister of energy, utilities and aviation.

“As we work to establish The Bahamas as a global aviation leader, this recognition highlights our dedication to excellence, innovation and meaningful contributions to the industry’s future. We congratulate him on this distinguished appointment and are confident that he will continue to represent our nation with distinction on the world stage.”

ICAO designated its first group of ambassadors and champions under the ICAO Global Ambassadors Programme in February 2026. These aviation specialists will help raise awareness of the sector and inspire the next generation to become part of the industry.

“As ICAO looks forward to a strong sustainable future, I aspire to be a compelling and eloquent advocate to raise public awareness of the priority issues of future workforce development, support the inclusion of youth and women, advance sustainable aviation, influence change and innovation and advocate on behalf of small island developing states like The Bahamas,” said Dr Romer.

ICAO global ambassadors work across their respective regions to promote aviation’s role in connecting communities and advancing sustainable development worldwide.

As the guardian of the International Convention on Civil Aviation signed in Chicago on December 7, 1944, ICAO aims to ensure the safe and orderly growth of international air travel, ultimately contributing to sustainable economic, social and environmental development globally for the benefit of all nations and people.