MINISTER of Tourism (ag) Irfaan Ali says that the development and expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) are critical to the tourism and aviation sector.

“We are going to stagnate the sector and all those who oppose the development and expansion of the airport are actually stagnating the tourism sector and the aviation sector,” the Minister asserted during a recent interview on his reaction to the expansion of the CJIA.
During the interview, Minister Ali reiterated that from the inception one of the critical infrastructural developments for the tourism sector was the expansion of the CJIA.
Minister Ali said, “In terms of airlift capacity we have grown, as well as our travelling public have grown… Copa has only recently started to ply the Guyana route and they are landing at CJIA with full passenger capacity and so is Insel Air. The aviation sector requires an infrastructure to accommodate the growth of its development.”
Ali emphasised that airlines are changing and upgrading their fleet to larger, more efficient aircraft and these require longer runways and better infrastructure. “So if we are to have the facilities to meet where the industry is going, then it is very critical for us to develop that infrastructure now.”

CATEGORY ONE STATUS
He also indicated that for Guyana to attain Category One status does not only require the country having good security systems, but the infrastructure and the airport must be up to a certain international standard. Achieving Category One status would see an ease of travel and operational efficiency, while attracting international carriers to Guyana.

He added that this project is no longer a matter to be discussed, but it is one that is essential and will bring great benefits to the country. “The expansion of the airport is no longer a question as to whether it should be done, it is definitely essential… it is one of the most important projects for us as country.”
Ali recapped that during the 2013 Christmas season, passengers had to stand outside on the apron of the airport for close to 35-40 minutes, because there was no room inside the airport for these passengers. He also noted that when it is raining passengers would have to wait in the aircraft until it stops before disembarking. He said further that there is not enough aircraft parking at the airport and as a result would have to wait on the ‘taxi areas’.
Ali opined that the Opposition and the people of Guyana should see the CJIA expansion as a non-political issue. “These are issues that we cannot afford to play politics with; issues that affect the development of our country are at stake. We need to develop that type of paradigm where we block major developmental projects from the political harshness, because it will also send a positive signal to investors who are thinking about making investments into Guyana,” the Tourism Minister stated.
Ali also sternly emphasised: “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 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.
Written By Rebecca Ganesh-Ally