The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority Denounces False Reports of Presidential Plane Crash
The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority Denounces False Reports of Presidential Plane Crash
The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is setting the record straight after a wave of false information spread across social media, falsely claiming that His Excellency, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, was involved in a fatal plane crash on February 13, 2025.
Let us be clear: This report is entirely fabricated. No aircraft accident occurred within Guyana’s borders on February 13 or 14, and there is no investigation into any incident involving President Dr. Ali. Minister of Public Works, Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill, who oversees the aviation sector and investigations under the Civil Aviation Act 2018, expressed deep concern over this baseless rumor, stating, “Such reckless misinformation is nothing more than a calculated attempt to stir fear, confusion, and distrust within our nation. President Dr. Ali is safe and well, and we continue to support his unwavering dedication to leading Guyana forward.”
The Real-World Dangers of Fake News
False reports like these are not just irresponsible; they have serious consequences. History has shown that misinformation can spark public panic, erode trust in institutions, and even endanger lives. Consider the case of the 2016 Pizzagate conspiracy, where a fabricated news story led a man to enter a restaurant with a firearm, believing he was rescuing children from a nonexistent trafficking ring. In a more recent example, misinformation about COVID-19 treatments led to people ingesting dangerous substances, causing hospitalizations and deaths.
In the aviation world, fake news can have dire consequences. Imagine the impact if a false report about an airline crash caused mass hysteria among travelers, forcing unnecessary cancellations or affecting the aviation industry’s credibility. When misinformation spreads unchecked, it does not merely mislead—it disrupts, damages, and sometimes destroys.
Journalists’ Role in Fighting Misinformation
The responsibility of the media is to inform, not inflame. Journalists and social media users alike must verify information before sharing it. Every unverified post, every unchecked article contributes to the erosion of public trust. The GCAA urges the public to rely on official sources for accurate news and to resist the urge to spread sensationalized falsehoods.
As an organization dedicated to maintaining the safety and integrity of Guyana’s skies, the GCAA stands firmly against misinformation. Let us collectively reject fake news and foster a culture of truth and responsibility in the media.
