GCAA issues warning after govt Minister complains of drone flying over home

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has issued a firm warning to drone operators after a drone was observed flying over the home of the husband of Amerindian Affairs Minister Sarah Browne.

In a Facebook post this morning, Minister Browne expressed concerns about the safety of her family after noticing a series of “suspicious activities” over the past few days.

She said, “This morning. A Drone was flying over the home of my husband… over the past few days I have noticed suspicious activities and for the safety of the family I was forced to ask for a security guard. The drone came so low that a close female relative of mine who had just exited the bathroom felt exposed and ran for cover.”

“A series of suspicious activities took place before this, vehicles have been following me since the incident at the hostel where I was bullied and everyone saw this. I want to let those involved know that this will not move me or deter me from representing my people…,” the Minister added in her social media post.

Hours after the minister’s post, however, the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) – the main parliamentary Opposition party founded by United States-indicted businessman, Azruddin Mohamed – posted a series of photos of the minister’s house, leveling certain accusations against her husband.

The GCAA subsequently issued a statement on drone safety, warning operators that there is a zero tolerance for violations.

See below for the full statement from the GCAA: 

GCAA Issues Firm Warning on Drone Safety: Zero Tolerance for Violations

February 8, 2026. Georgetown

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) hereby issue this unequivocal warning to all drone operators and the general public that compliance with safe and responsible drone operation is mandatory under Guyana’s laws. Irresponsible and unlawful use of drones poses grave risks to public safety, national security, and personal privacy. Drone users are hereby reminded that the following directives are legally binding and must be strictly observed:

• The Pilot in Command of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV/Drone) is strictly prohibited from operating the aircraft over or near private or public property without first obtaining explicit permission from the property owner.

• Drones are expressly forbidden from operating within 150 metres of any congested area, organized open-air assembly, or within 100 metres of any vessel, vehicle, or structure not under the operator’s control.

• Drone operators must, at all times, maintain a minimum safe distance of 50 metres (164 feet) vertically or horizontally from any person, property, or structure not under their direct control, unless explicit written authorization has been granted by the GCAA.

• Any breach of these regulations constitutes a serious criminal offense and will result in fines up to GYD$1,000,000 and/or imprisonment for up to two years.

• Non-compliance with permit conditions, and operations outside the limitations specified in the GCAA UAV Directive (Operation and Surveillance of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles | GCAA/ASR/DIR/2017-01), or failure to adhere to an approved operations manual will result in immediate suspension of UAV/Drone Permit and be prosecuted as a breach of the GCAA Regulations.

To ensure that persons adhere to the GCAA’s regulations and avoid undue violations, the GCAA is appealing to the public to comply accordingly with the above. The public is urged to immediately report any and all unauthorized operations, suspicious or unsafe drone activity to the nearest police station to the GCAA safety hotline at 608-4222. The full force of the law will be applied to defaulters. The GCAA is committed to maintaining the integrity of Guyana’s airspace.