MINISTER  of  Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad, yesterday unveiled a sign in the arrival hall of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at Timehri, on the issuing of  drivers’ permits for incoming passengers. This will provide awareness to tourists and locals of government’s initiative to provide tourists with hassle-free accessibility to a driver’s permit, free of cost.
Present at the unveiling ceremony were Chief Executive Officer of the CJIA, Ramesh Ghir; Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh; and representatives of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Minister Prashad noted that although it is already enforced, many visitors have been enquiring about obtaining a driver’s permit at the point of entry.
He pointed out that most countries have the policy at various ‘rent a car’ outlets. However, there is no official car rental service available at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
As such, tourists entering the country would usually go to GRA to obtain a driver’s permit, and people have complained about the long lines and the hassle they have to go through in order to get it.
The minister noted that sometimes people just visit for a weekend hence, this process makes it easier for such visitors.
Minister Prashad explained that a visitor needs to present his/her driver’s licence from their country of origin; complete an application form; and depending on the class of vehicle that person is allowed to drive in his/her country, a permit will be issued for a similar licence in Guyana.
The permit will be valid for one month and is renewable for up to three months.
“We want to make sure that people come to our beautiful country and from the airport, they can rent a car and explore and enjoy our country,” he said.
“As a result of this initiative of issuing drivers’ permit free at the airport on arrival, we expect car rentals to mushroom in this area,” Minister Prashad said, as he urged persons to take up the challenge.
Minister Prashad highlighted that the service will also be available at the Ogle International Airport, and possibly at Moleson Creek and the Takutu bridge crossings.
He added that the information regarding the issuing of drivers’ permits for visitors would be disseminated both locally and internationally including to foreign missions, the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), hotels, resorts, tour operators and other stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry, and details can be found on GTA, CJIA and GRA websites.
Minister Prashad expressed hope to see more satisfied visitors entering the country as government continues to strive to improve services in the country.