Lethem airport design under review – in light of area’s growing importance

PRIME Minister Samuel Hinds has acknowledged the success of Guyana’s aviation sector. Addressing participants at an aviation symposium Tuesday at the Guyana International Conference Centre, the prime minister stated that the development of Ogle International Airport shows development in Guyana through the air transport link between neighbouring countries.
He emphasised that the location of Guyana’s major airport, soon to become an international hub, should soon be used not only for the purpose of travelling, but also for attracting persons to visit Guyana, even if it’s only as a stop-over point.
Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn, in his address, revealed that the designs for the Lethem airport in Region 9 are under review by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
Region 9 is one of the most rapidly developing regions in Guyana, with the building of the Takutu Bridge, the emerging agriculture sector, and the enhancement of the tourism sector. Minister Benn emphasised the importance of the construction of the Lethem airport towards the development of these sectors.
He stated that the aviation sector demonstrated the fundamentals of Guyanese continuing to work together, despite being part of a diverse society. He added that government has been working steadily towards promoting the aviation industry and will continue to develop it.
Minister Benn lauded the outstanding achievements of the Ogle International Airport and the dramatic transformation it has made over the past two years. The airport was Tuesday commissioned as a Regional Airport.
He observed that a recent meeting between GCAA officials and President Donald Ramotar focused on the establishing of a main office building and an aircraft museum.
The sum of $1B has also been spent on the upgrading of the air navigation tower that will enable the continuous stream of young people to distinguish the industry for another 100 years.
Director General of GCAA, Zulfikar Mohamed, emphasised that there has been the use of equipment to enhance safety at both the international and domestic airports. He added that the system at the GCAA is structured to meet international needs and the work produced has to be standardised.
Also attending the symposium were Director of Air Navigation Services, Chaitrani Heeralall; Director of Air Safety Regulations, Paula McAdam; Legal and Transportation Consultant Hugh Denbow, and Captain Gerry Gouveia.
This year marks a significant milestone in Guyana’s aviation history, as the GCCA celebrates 100 years of aviation since March 24, 1913, when a pioneer aviator, George Schmidt, landed his aircraft in Georgetown.

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