IN the last six months, a total of 60 in-bound InselAir passengers were denied entry here because of “unclear immigration guidelines,” Chief Executive Officer of Roraima Airways Gerry Gouveia said yesterday at a press conference. He also called on the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to “ramp up” its current immigration system so as to avoid such situations.
“With the advent of Copa Airlines and InselAir, there are many arrivals who did not pass through the filtration system and our immigration need to wrap up their methodologies and deal with the new dispensation of arrivals in Guyana,” Gouveia stated.
Against this backdrop, he pointed out that in order for both the tourism and airline industries to develop, Guyana must display a “welcoming posture” and image to the world and not one where foreigners are faced with difficulties when entering Guyana because of unclear immigration guidelines.
“You either have visas or you are not going to have visas. If you are going to issue visas on arrival, then you need to have very clear guidelines about what the criteria are so that people do not arrive in Guyana only to find out that they do not meet the criteria,” Gouveia asserted.
While pointing out that government is responsible for ensuring that the system runs smoothly, Gouveia said the company has met with both Ministers of Tourism and Citizenship to iron out the issue and was promised to have the criteria publicised for the sake of foreigners.
PUBLISHED CRITERIA
“When we met with [Minister of Citizenship Winston Felix], he understood the dilemma and the need for public knowledge on the guidelines. And he had given us assurance that the publication of those guidelines is going to be done shortly. That is not a pleasant experience and the quicker we get the criteria published will be better for all,” Gouveia said.
The major reasons for denying entry, according to the authorities, are insufficient funds, inaccurate information about connecting flights, no local contact person or local address and no visas, partly leading to suspicions of human trafficking.
MORE FLIGHTS
Besides the immigrant issues, Gouveia revealed that both his company and InselAir have reached a milestone as there are now more flights in and out of Guyana. Persons from Guyana can now travel hassle-free to not just Aruba and Curacao but 20 other destinations such as Colombia, Cuba, Miami and Brazil.
Roraima Airways partnered with InselAir some 15 months ago and has managed to provide not just employment for the Guyanese people but also affordable trips to those destinations. Insel Airlines has grown to be one of the best airlines providing international, flexible connectivity to both North and South America and also the Caribbean, Gouveia said.