–as JAGS Aviation re-launches service

PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar has noted that the development of air transport is vital to the development of Guyana as a whole.

The Head of State was speaking at a ceremony held yesterday by the BK Group of Companies to re-launch its recently acquired JAGS Aviation services.

That ceremony was held at the Wings hangar at the Ogle International Airport, and saw the attendance of several Government ministers, representatives from the private sector and the diplomatic corps, as well as stakeholders in the tourism and aviation sectors.

“Air transport is vital to the development of Guyana…most of us can testify to the transformation that has taken place over a relatively short period of time,” the President said.

He highlighted that one area where this is evident is in the opening up of hinterland areas, an endeavour to which air transport is undeniably linked.

“Opening up the interior must be linked to air transport. There are many areas that are still not accessible by roads of waterways; and even if some of them are, the time it takes to get there is relatively long,” the President said.

The Head of State made it clear that opening up of the interior is not “mere talk”, as efforts are being made by the current administration to capitalize on the advances made so far in air transport by pushing the development of economic activities, such as mining.

“It is immoral not to try to develop our interior areas,” he said.

Also, the President stated that Government has been making tremendous investment in the sector, as evidenced by advances at the Ogle International Airport as well as the ongoing modernisation of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

“Measures have been taken to try to retard our development…. This year, many of you would know that our expenditures vital for many things have been cut from the national budget,” he said.

Regardless, the Head of State said, many of the developmental undertakings seen in Guyana in the last several years have resulted from successful public/private partnerships.

“Everything PPP is always good,” the President quipped, referring to his party, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP).

President Ramotar added that Guyana continues to make progress despite the challenges, and re-launching of the services of JAGS Aviation is testimony to the level of investor confidence still being expressed.

“We must work together to take Guyana forward…. Together (investors and Government), we can work to make Guyana realise its full potential,” he said.

The President congratulated the Tiwarie family on their newest business venture, as did Transport Minister Robeson Benn.

He pointed out that stakeholders from the sector must “close ranks” around the fact that Guyana is on a “solid” development path and is poised to make greater advances for the benefit of the Guyanese people.

Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali also made remarks yesterday, stressing the support of the Government in providing a welcoming investment framework in the aviation sector.

JAGS Aviation Director, Briony Tiwarie, welcomed the speakers’ comments, and acknowledged that the investment in the sector was premised on its potential.
The Director was clear and confident in stating that JAGS Aviation, with its re-launch, will continue the expansion it started with the acquisition of a brand new US$3M Cessna Grand Caravan, which made the company the first private sector entity to acquire an aircraft straight off the production line.

Tiwarie noted that the chartered company’s investments are expected to promote Guyana as a domestic and international tourist destination, turning the carrier into a scheduled domestic and regional operator.

She pointed out that stakeholders in the sector must not only compete, but work together for improvements in the sector – an undertaking that includes increasing markets, which can be done via the promotion of Guyana’s tourism product.

Also making remarks was immediate past president of the Guyana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Mr. Clinton Urling, and Mr. Bobby Vieira; as well as Chairman of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Mr. Hugh Denbow.

Initially, JAGS Aviation, founded by Mr. Umadat Jaggernauth, was established on October 31st, 2006 as a domestic charter company with the aim of providing air transport and support to the mining sector of Guyana.

The company acquired its Air Operator’s Certificate from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority on March 9th, 2007, and began commercial operation on March 11th, 2007. Charter flights to various locations in Guyana for sightseeing and other purposes were offered. In addition to the interior charter flights, cargo flights, passenger flights, medical evacuation, aerial surveys, shuttles and overseas charters were also offered.

(By Vanessa Narine)