THE Government of Guyana (GOG) is currently rehabilitating roads in the vicinity of the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle,East Coast Demerara, in time for the upcoming Caricom Heads of Government conference to be held here from July 4-6.Minister of State Joseph Harmon told reporters on Wednesday that it is government’s intention to ensure that the route from that airport “right up to the hotel” where delegates will be staying is of international standard.
“You can be assured of that… the Minister of Public Infrastructure has clear directions as to what he has to do,” said Harmon.
However, Minister Patterson has noted that the current road works are in keeping with the ministry’s ongoing rehabilitation works. Meanwhile, the Minister of State said while Guyana is the host country, all preparations minus venue and transportation are the responsibility of the Caricom Secretariat located at Liliendaal,Greater Georgetown.
“The content of the conference, arrangements are CARICOM arrangements. Guyana is just a venue for the conference. We are not taking over the conference altogether. We have agreed to provide the venue for it, that is to say where it will take place, accommodation for heads of government, their transportation to and from the conference and things of that nature,” he explained.
The CARICOM Heads of Government meeting will be held in Guyana next month as Dominica, whose turn it was to host the meeting, is not in a position to do so.
Last August, heavy rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Erika caused widespread flooding and mudslides across the island and also resulted in the death of persons. The Tropical Storm has caused major infrastructural damage to the island.
Harmon added that Guyanese are warm and hospitable people and “Guyana is prepared to step in when other CARICOM brothers or sisters are unable to provide a service to the people [of the] region.”