Minister Sonia Parag Speaks at Opening of Expanded Aeronautical Engineering School

Today, Hon. Sonia Parag, Minister of Education, delivered remarks on behalf of His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali, at the opening of the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School’s expanded facility, an important moment for the advancement of Guyana’s aviation sector and a clear signal of the country’s growing investment in specialised technical education. In her remarks, the Minister underscored that this development is not only about infrastructure, but about building national capacity, creating opportunity, and ensuring that Guyanese are equipped with the skills required to lead in a rapidly modernising economy. 

The opening marks a significant step forward for aviation training in Guyana. It strengthens the country’s ability to develop a pipeline of well-trained pilots, aircraft maintenance professionals, and aeronautical engineers right here at home. For young people across the country, it sends a powerful message: careers in aviation and engineering are no longer distant ambitions, but real and accessible pathways. As Guyana continues to grow, institutions such as this one are essential to preparing a new generation of highly skilled Guyanese to meet the needs of emerging industries and to shape the future of national development. The school already plays a long-standing role in aeronautical training, including collaboration with the University of Guyana and newer pathways such as its approved BSc in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. 

Importantly, this achievement also reflects the Government of Guyana’s broader commitment to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training across the country. The national TVET policy launched in 2025 was designed to modernise vocational education, align training with high-demand sectors, and expand equitable access to skills development. That commitment is now being matched by concrete action. In February 2026, the Ministry of Education decentralised the University of Guyana’s engineering programmes to Regions Two and Six, including the expansion of mechanical engineering delivery at John’s Science Centre in Berbice, so that students no longer have to travel to Turkeyen to access these opportunities. Budget 2026 also set aside $1 billion to expand medical and engineering programmes in Regions Two, Three and Six. 

Taken together, these developments show a government that is deliberately widening the doors of opportunity for Guyanese youth. From Berbice to Essequibo, and now through expanded aviation training, the message is consistent: talent must be developed in every region, and education must be aligned with the country’s future. The opening of the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School’s expanded facility is therefore more than a milestone for aviation, it is part of a national vision to empower young people, strengthen TVET, and ensure that Guyanese are fully prepared to lead in the industries that will define the country’s next chapter. 

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