THE British High Commission is working to secure flights for nationals of the United Kingdom (UK) who wish to return home, amidst the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“I am aware that you are here at this extremely difficult time but the High Commission is doing a lot to support UK nationals in their time of need,” said British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn, in a recent video which was posted on his Facebook Page.

Quinn said that the High Commission was working to secure flights for persons who wish to return home, but these are extraordinary times so there are no flights into and out of Guyana because the borders remain closed.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), on March 17, had announced the closure of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at Timehri and the Eugene Correia Airport at Ogle to all international flights, for two weeks.

This was according to CAA Director-General, Lieutenant Colonel (ret’d) Egbert Field, who said: “the Civil Aviation Authority, in order to slow the process of this virus, and in consultation with the Ministry of Public Health, has decided, with the approval of the Cabinet Taskforce, to close all airports to all international flights.”

While there has been no official word on whether this closure will continue after the period has ended, High Commissioner Quinn said he was unsure how long the closure of the airports will last for.

The High Commission, however, had managed to facilitate charter flights to Bridgetown, Barbados where UK nationals would have connected to flights to the UK, but that had since stopped and it was unclear when it will restart.

“Our colleagues in Barbados will let us know when it will restart…we will be in touch with you about other possible options,” said Quinn.

He said the High Commission was exploring every possible avenue, but there were minimal options in the short term because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite not having an immediate solution, Quinn has asked that each UK national makes contact with the High Commission and provide name, date of birth, address and telephone number in Guyana along with other information. The High Commission’s telephone number is 226 5881.