-President Ali says new facility marks beginning of a new vision, the gateway to our culture, life in Guyana

WITH travellers to and from Guyana increasing exponentially over the past few years, the sod was turned on Monday for a new terminal two at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, to further modernise and cater for additional traffic at the country’s main international port.

At the sod turning ceremony, President Dr Irfaan Ali noted that it was not just a ceremony, but the occasion marked the beginning of a new vision for Guyana.

During his remarks, Dr Ali stated that if Guyana is to truly position tourism at the centre of its transformation, then this new terminal must tell the story of what embodies the country.

“The new terminal will tell the story of our culture, about life in Guyana. You’ll be walking through a journey of our culture. You’ll be celebrating who we are as Guyanese. You’ll be experiencing nature, because that is what we have to build. We have to build something that represents the country and represents what we want to be known for,” the Head of State said.

Against this backdrop, he noted that a lot of time and effort was invested in fine-tuning what is to be achieved with the new terminal, as it is not just a building but an experience and a story.

Looking ahead, President Ali stated that the port is currently a bustling one but will get busier, with hopes that Guyana will become a major hub.

“That is our vision to make this airport a major departure, an arrival point for visitors, for our country, and a major transit station for those going to South America, Africa and North and Central America,” he added.

The new terminal will be constructed by BHM, a European firm in partnership with Manchester Airport Group, with work expected to begin early next year.

Construction on the 150,000 square-foot terminal will take approximately 18 months, even as the company will also cater to the reconfiguration of the existing international terminal.

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, disclosed that the company has worked in 25 countries across the world and has delivered to some 35 international airports.

The diplomat added that she was happy to facilitate having a high-quality British company here to deliver something special for Guyana.
Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, stated that the addition of the new terminal takes the country into a new wave of development, as he added, “The world is coming to Guyana and Guyana is preparing for the world.”

With this, he disclosed that there will be more concession areas, more space for added facilities and speedier access for persons arriving in the country.