GOVERNMENT has received multiple international proposals for the privatisation of security at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport as well as for the reintroduction of a national airline, Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson has disclosed.
During a news conference on Monday, Patterson told media operatives that government was in discussions with a Canadian firm that provided security to Israel in regards to the improvements of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
“This (security) company even provides airport security in Israel, and we know the level of security that is needed for the Israel airport…” he said.
“This model that was proposed by the company is only for outgoing passengers and it’s very viable with a 250,000-passenger span.”
Minister Patterson also said there is the option of hiring a consultant instead, train personnel and purchase the relevant equipment. He noted that since the APNU/AFC took office, there has been many international companies sending and making various proposals to the government. These projects which are viable will be looked at under the guidance of the Ministry of Finance, he said.
“Only serious companies with a high track record will be taken seriously, we don’t want any and every company,” he added.
Meanwhile, Junior Public Infrastructure Minister Annette Ferguson, who was also present at the press conference, disclosed that government is also aiming to achieve International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Category One status. This would be realised if government pursues the establishment of a national airline. “Without us not having our own air carrier, we are still trying to see how best we can have ICAO requirements complied to,” Ms Ferguson said.
Still within the Guyana’s aviation sector, Ferguson disclosed that a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana to facilitate hassle-free travel for Guyanese passengers. She explained that instead of passengers from Guyana going through customs and immigration whenever an aircraft has to transit in the twin-island, passengers can now disembark and venture directly into the waiting area which would promote a smoother travel. Additionally, Minister Ferguson announced that a draft Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Bill has been produced and will be laid in the National Assembly when Parliament is reconvened.