SLCAA Boss Calls for Stronger Regional Cooperation on Aviation Safety
Osman Tolo Sesay The Director General of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA), Musayeroh Barrie, has called for stronger regional cooperation to improve aviation safety and regulatory capacity across borders.
Barrie made the call during the ICAO/EASA Third Global Regional Safety Oversight Organizations and Regional Accident and Incident Investigation Organizations Forum for Aviation Safety, held in Georgetown, Guyana, from September 29–30, 2026.
The forum, held under the theme “Optimizing Resources through Coordination and Cooperation,” brought together aviation regulators, accident investigators, international organisations, technical experts and industry representatives from nearly 60 countries. It was jointly organised by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and hosted by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority. It was the first time the global forum was held in the Americas.
Speaking on the benefits of regional cooperation, Barrie highlighted the challenges faced by smaller aviation regulators, particularly limited financial and human resources. She said regional partnerships have supported Sierra Leone’s aviation regulatory development through access to technical expertise, specialised training and capacity building for safety inspectors.
Barrie stressed that effective aviation oversight requires adequate technical expertise, strong institutions and qualified personnel, adding that safety must be treated as an ongoing responsibility requiring sustained investment, professional development and consistent regulatory oversight.
She urged regulators to identify safety weaknesses early and take preventive action before they develop into incidents or more serious concerns. She also emphasised the cross-border nature of aviation, noting that aircraft operating from one country can continue to another, making information sharing, coordinated oversight and consistent safety standards essential.
The forum also examined regional cooperation, delegation of safety and investigative functions, aviation workforce development, sustainable financing, industry partnerships and harmonised regulatory frameworks. Participants discussed challenges related to attracting and retaining aviation professionals, training costs and institutional capacity.
Guyana Civil Aviation Authority Director General Lt. Col. (Ret.) Egbert Field highlighted aviation’s importance to Guyana’s economy, particularly mining, tourism and agriculture, while ICAO Air Navigation Bureau Director Michele Merkle stressed the importance of regional cooperation in sharing expertise, knowledge and solutions.
The two-day meeting provided participating states and aviation organisations with an opportunity to exchange experiences and explore practical ways to strengthen aviation safety oversight and accident and incident investigation capabilities.
Barrie’s participation placed Sierra Leone’s aviation regulatory experience within the broader international discussion on how regional cooperation can help smaller aviation authorities overcome resource constraints and strengthen safety systems.