The conference will cover topics relating to aviation safety and increased regional cooperation.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has invited Saint Lucia to participate in the second High Level Safety Conference (HLSC2015) next week (Feb. 2 – 6), at the ICAO Headquarters in Montréal, Canada.

Hon. Alva Romanus Baptiste, Minister for External Affairs, International Trade and Civil Aviation will head the Saint Lucia delegation.

The participation of strategic decision-makers will provide the international civil aviation community the opportunity to build consensus, obtain commitments, and formulate recommendations deemed necessary for the effective and efficient progress of key aviation safety activities.

Overall, the conference will include various topics covering three major themes: a review of the current situation; the future approach to manage aviation safety; and facilitating increased regional cooperation. In particular, participants will also be invited to discuss emerging safety issues including the global tracking of aircrafts, and risks to civil aviation arising from conflict zones.

Given the tragic and unusual events that occurred on March 8 and July 17, 2014, which resulted in the loss of the passengers and crew aboard Malaysia Airlines MH370 and MH17, the topic “Emerging Safety Issues” will form part of the program, during which the conference will be invited to discuss and make recommendations on means to address the issues that may arise related to these events.

Saint Lucia’s economy is heavily dependent on tourism which itself derives value from civil aviation and air transport. Therefore, Saint Lucia’s participation is critical at this time, as we endeavor to boost arrival figures and expand the tourism market.