Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Senator Eli Zakour, continues to strengthen regional partnerships to enhance air connectivity across the region following discussions with Barbados’ Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Ian Gooding-Edghill. Also in attendance were Mr. Cary Price, Director General of the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority, along with officials of the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport in Barbados.
The meeting, held on Sunday, March 8th 2026 at the Hilton Barbados Resort, Barbados, facilitated discussions on strengthening regional air connectivity and cooperation, the cost of intra-regional travel, and avenues for enhanced training for Air Traffic Controllers. Both Ministers also reviewed the state of the aviation and tourism industries in their respective countries and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration between Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados.
Barbados expressed interest in having its Air Traffic Controllers trained in Trinidad and Tobago, building on its longstanding relationship with the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Training Centre. Minister Zakour welcomed the initiative and noted that the relevant authorities will engage further to facilitate the training arrangements in the coming months
Mr. Price noted that shortages of air traffic controllers are a global challenge and reaffirmed the Authority’s willingness to support Barbados’ capacity-building efforts. Discussions also addressed the recruitment of Air Traffic Controllers, the global shortage of pilots, efforts to expand airlift through Air Services Agreements, and the need to encourage greater youth interest in aviation careers.
The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation remains committed to strengthening regional cooperation, improving connectivity across the Caribbean, and supporting the growth of the aviation sector.
