Guyana's Aviation Authority Issues Firm Warning After Drone Flies Over Minister's Home

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has issued a stern warning to all drone operators.

This action follows an incident where an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) was seen flying over the private residence of Amerindian Affairs Minister Sarah Browne's husband. The GCAA emphasized its zero-tolerance policy for all violations of drone safety regulations.

Incident Prompts Regulatory Reminder

Minister Browne detailed the incident on social media on February 8, 2026. She reported a drone flying low over her husband’s home. The Minister expressed serious concerns about her family's safety and personal privacy. She noted a close female relative felt exposed and had to run for cover due to the drone's low altitude. The incident occurred amid what the Minister described as a series of "suspicious activities."

Hours later, the political opposition party, We Invest in Nationhood (WIN), posted photos of the house. This action further escalated the political and privacy dimensions of the incident. The GCAA's subsequent statement focused strictly on the aviation safety and legal aspects.

GCAA Reaffirms Strict Drone Regulations

The GCAA stressed that compliance with safe and responsible drone operation is mandatory. The authority stated that unlawful drone use poses grave risks. These risks include threats to public safety, national security, and personal privacy. The warning specifically reiterated several legally binding directives from the GCAA UAV Directive (Operation and Surveillance of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles | GCAA/ASR/DIR/2017-01).

Key Directives for UAV Operators

The GCAA's directive highlights several critical operational rules:

• Explicit Permission Required: The Pilot in Command must get explicit permission. This is mandatory before operating a drone over or near private or public property.
• Congested Area Restrictions: Drones are forbidden from operating within 150 meters (492 feet) of any congested area. They are also restricted near organized open-air assemblies.
• Minimum Safe Distance: Operators must maintain a minimum safe distance of 50 meters (164 feet). This distance applies vertically and horizontally from any person, property, or structure not under their control. Exceptions require explicit written authorization from the GCAA.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The GCAA statement clearly outlines the severe consequences for violating these rules. Any breach of these regulations constitutes a serious criminal offense. Violators face substantial fines and possible imprisonment.

• Fines can be up to GYD$1,000,000 (Guyana Dollars).
• Imprisonment can be for a term of up to two years.
• Non-compliance with permit conditions will result in the immediate suspension of the UAV/Drone Permit.

This firm stance underscores the regulator's commitment. The GCAA is committed to maintaining the integrity of Guyana’s national airspace. The authority urged the public to report all unauthorized or unsafe drone activity immediately. This reporting should go to the nearest police station or the GCAA safety hotline. The full force of the law will be applied to defaulters, the GCAA warned. This incident serves as a crucial reminder to all operators. They must prioritize safety, privacy, and adherence to established aviation law.

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