THE Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) expansion project is essential for the development of the aviation sector, but due to the Opposition’s non-support for the transformational project the sector’s growth is stagnating.

Minister of Tourism (ag) Irfaan Ali told the media on Friday: “We also have a major difficulty in the airport in terms of managing effectively, efficiently with the least hassle as possible for the movement of people, the movement of luggage and the safety and security of everything as a result of our inability to expand the airport.”
He emphasised that unless the expansion of the runway and airport facility are realised “we are going to stagnate the sector and all those who oppose the development of the airport are actually stagnating the aviation sector.”
The Tourism Minister also noted that, “this aviation sector cannot grow, it would never grow if we cannot expand that airport so all those who are involved have a moral responsibility, a national responsibility and an ethical responsibility to ensure that the airport project is completed.”
He added that the rolling out of this project is no longer a matter to be discussed, but is one that is essential and will bring great benefits to the country.
Ali pointed out that the expansion of the CJIA is no longer a question as to whether it should be done, it is definitely crucial and is one of the most important projects for the country, and the sector.
“I would say as Minister of Tourism, I would go beyond every boundary to ensure that this project is completed. It is far too important in our national interest for the tourism sector and the aviation sector to be left as a shadow issue.”
The minister made reference to the new airlines that are operating out of Guyana and those that are showing interest in doing so, noting that their operations will require the support of a larger airport facility.
“The aviation sector requires an infrastructure to accommodate the growth of its development. All the carriers are changing their equipment for larger planes, you are not gonna have them landing on that airstrip that we have there,” Ali said.
He also explained that there are many other difficulties that are a result of the stalling of this project.
“I would like to see contrasting analyses of the aviation sector; the aviation sector is not about the number of planes coming in, it has to do with a number of other things; our ability to take those planes off, to have enough parking space, to have enough control and processing of luggage, to handle cargo, to have a security system that meets international standard and you cannot develop that system in the existing space, and the fact is the airport is in an area that has many difficulties,” Ali explained.
The US$150M project is funded by the Government of China through the Chinese Exim Bank. The expansion will cater for a new terminal building with eight boarding bridges, elevators and CCTV. The runway will be extended by 3,500 feet, and there will be eight international parking positions.
In 2013, funding for this project which was budgeted for was slashed by the Opposition. Funds were again allocated in the 2014 National Budget for the project, but suffered the same fate.

(GINA)