Dear editor,
THE government has done the right thing in opening the airport for travellers to get back to work and for businesses to be productive in this COVID-19 epidemic.
It is a matter of public record that on March 17, a decision was taken out of an abundance of caution to restrict incoming and outgoing flights, barring special circumstances. Now, by allowing flights the space and place to flourish, Guyana is signalling its intention to beat this COVID-19 virus and regain lost territory. This will be good for all the struggling airlines to get back on their feet and start to look at better ways of meeting the needs of the travelling public.

After all, Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill also recently announced that the guidelines adopted by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority follow those of the International Civil Aviation Organisation and the International Air Transport Association. He was quoted as saying, that “These measures are designed to ensure the safety of the travelling public. The Cheddi Jagan International Airport recently attained the Health Accreditation from the Airports Council International, Latin America, and the Caribbean. This accreditation is testimony of the airport’s ongoing commitment in prioritising health and safety measures for all travellers…”.

Also, it comes as no surprise that the Eugene F. Correia International Airport (EFCIA) is also in a state of readiness to accommodate international flights because GCAA and health officials conducted several assessments of the airport and are satisfied with the measures in place.

And with the expected stringent protocols in place to safeguard the health and safety of the passengers, all systems are in order, from the look of things, to run smoothly. From the gate to the plane, everyone will see the systems are working efficiently and effectively; so the airlines should get properly on board to boost confidence in the sector. They must revolutionise the service they provide with COVID-19 in mind. The way bookings are done should also be looked at with the view to making it easier for the passengers to get much-needed information as they fly.

We all must play our part in society to make the sector viable and successful. Guyana does not want to suffer like Barbados or Trinidad, whose businesses and people are feeling the squeeze of the prolonged shutdown. Just recently, the Movietowne business announced its “permanent” closure due to the pandemic and other issues after 10 years of providing services to the Trinidadian people.

Therefore, the opening up of airports and travel is a step in the right direction towards a bigger plan of economic development and growth again.

Regards,
Erin Northe