Undoubtedly there is a direct correlation between effective means and systems of transportation and economic development because the former is a facilitator and crucial component of the movement of people, goods and services. And of course this has to be done in the most reliable, efficient and cost effective manner so as to impact positively on economic development and enhancement.
Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue in his article: Transportation and Economic Development points out:
“The transport sector is an important component of the economy impacting on development and the welfare of populations. When transport systems are efficient, they provide economic and social opportunities and benefits that result in positive multipliers effects such as better accessibility to markets, employment and additional investments. When transport systems are deficient in terms of capacity or reliability, they can have an economic cost such as reduced or missed opportunities. Transport also carries an important social and environmental load, which cannot be neglected. Thus, from a general standpoint the economic impacts of transportation can be direct and indirect:
* Direct impacts related to accessibility change where transport enables larger markets and enables to save time and costs.
* Indirect impacts related to the economic multiplier effect where the price of commodities, goods or services drop and/or their variety increases.”
“The impacts of transportation are not always intended, and can have unforeseen or unintended consequences such as congestion. Mobility is one of the most fundamental and important characteristics of economic activity as it satisfies the basic need of going from one location to the other, a need shared by passengers, freight and information. All economies and regions do not share the same level of mobility as most are in a different stage in their mobility transition. Economies that possess greater mobility are often those with better opportunities to develop than those suffering from scarce mobility. Reduced mobility impedes development while greater mobility is a catalyst for development. Mobility is thus a reliable indicator of development.”
Against this backdrop the announcement by President Jagdeo that plans to have a national flag-carrier have advanced and discussions for financing the construction of a bigger and modern airport and four-lane to cope with growing traffic is excellent news for Guyana.
With respect to air transport travellers to and from Guyana have been experiencing all sorts of difficulties including high air fares, baggage being left behind and the scarcity of direct flights etc. This is so mainly because of the absence of competition as regards to international flights which is not good for our budding tourism industry. Therefore if a viable deal could be clinched to establish a national flag-carrier the air transport difficulties could be considerably reduced and bring much benefit to the tourism industry and the national economy as a whole.
However, bearing in mind our history with national flag-carriers one would hope on this occasion a truly viable and successful long-term arrangement will be put in place.
As regards having a bigger and more modern airport is a definite step in long term planning because we cannot wait until our lone international airport becomes inadequate to then hustle to find a solution. Already we know that the current CJIA cannot accommodate aircrafts beyond a certain magnitude and this to some extent is hampering us having direct flights and greater frequency of flights.
In relation to the construction of a four-lane highway between the airport and the East Coast Demerara this is most timely because of the burgeoning traffic this country has been experiencing in recent years, which is one of the difficulties associated with a growing standard of living.
When four-lane highway between the Demerara Harbour Bridge and Georgetown was under construction the President had indicated that the government was considering constructing a parallel road to the airport from the East Coast Demerara. However, at that time funding posed a problem and it would be more than welcome if funding could be found now to fructify this project as it would bring tremendous relief to the daily traffic congestion.
These plans are indeed indicative of the vision and long term development strategy of the government and flies in the face of those who are trying to paint a picture that the government is lacking in vision and nothing positive is happening in this country.