THE decision by United Airlines to commence direct flights from Houston, United States, to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport is a welcome development. According to the airline, direct flights have commenced from this month and will be a significant boost to the local economy.

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Ms Oneidge Walrond, described the move as one that will lead to a significant increase in visitor arrivals, which, she said, will have a rippling effect throughout the economy, both in terms of job creation and the overall growth and development of the tourism sector.

Expressing similar sentiments, Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice-President of Global Network Planning and Alliances at United Airlines, said that the airline is pleased to do business with one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. According to Mr Quayle, the new route will offer customers convenient access to the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Guyana.

This is indeed a positive development which in the words of United States Ambassador to Guyana Nicole Theriot, will further strengthenthe Guyana-United States partnership. According to the ambassador, United Airlines’ new flight is more than just a flight; it represents yet another significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between Guyana and the United States.

“It is a clear and exciting message that our commercial linkages are deepening, as we witness the growing number of US companies coming to do business in Guyana. Moreover, this new route will unlock incredible tourism opportunities by inviting even more travellers to experience the many offerings of both of our countries.

Simply put, it’s a win-win for our economies, our cultures and our close people-to-people ties”, the envoy noted.
At an even more strategic level, the new route to Houston, referred to as the energy capital not only of the United States but the entire world, will greatly facilitate the growth and expansion of the oil-and-gas sectors of both countries.

It is an established fact that Houston is the intellectual hub for virtually every segment of the energy industry including exploration, production, transmission, marketing, supply and technology. In the case of Guyana, oil has been, and continues to be, a game changer and such an important link will only serve to enhance our strategic positioning as a major player on the global carbon market.

This development, as pointed out by Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill, is a demonstration of the confidence reposed by the international community in Guyana’s growth potential and will not only facilitate travel and trade, but will also catalyse further economic development and investment in the country.

These developments are consistent with President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s vision for a modern Guyana, which is strategically positioned to take advantage of opportunities at the global level. According to President Ali, his vision of Guyana 2030 and beyond is a sustainable, resilient highly competitive and functional country that leads on global issues such as climate change, energy and food security.