With a complete lockdown on commercial flights at Guyana’s international airports, hundreds of persons have been stranded here over the past month.
High Commissioner Lilian Chatterjee with the West Jet crew
On Saturday the Canadian High Commission repatriated 152 persons through West Jet Airlines at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, in one of two humanitarian flights. It was the first-ever Canadian airline to operate from Guyana. The flight manifest comprised mainly of senior citizens and families with children, who were elated to return to their country.
Persons with medical conditions being assisted onto the flight
Canadian High Commissioner, Lilian Chatterjee was present on-site to see the passengers off. She told Guyana Times that this was made possible through collaboration with the National COVID-19 Task Force. Moreover, it was essential since some individuals needed specialised healthcare and medications.
Upon the announcement that flights would be facilitated between the two countries, the envoy indicated that there was an overwhelming response from persons to return home.
A family makes its way to board the plane
“This is the first time a Canadian airline has arrived in Guyana and we have two flights…The flights sold out within 24 hours for both airlines. Most of them are elderly. They have medical issues, running out of medications,” she indicated.
The next flight will depart from Guyana on Monday with another batch of Canadians. Chatterjee said if there are other persons who wish to return home and clearance is given; more flights will be facilitated. Some 600 persons had initially expressed the desire to be taken home.
“We’re just very grateful that a Canadian airline has come on a humanitarian flight. They’re not making a profit. They’re just covering their cost,” the High Commissioner detailed.
The shutdown of Guyana’s airports was extended until May 3.
To identify and assist Canadians that would like to return home, the High Commission has asked for them to contact 608-7012, a direct line where information will be provided.
Earlier this month, 28 Canadian citizens were sent back to their home on chartered flights. The passengers were transported on two planes through Trans Guyana Airways to Barbados. Afterwards, they were transported to Canada via Air Canada.
At that time, Commission Counsellor, Ray Fankhauser said it was difficult to locate some persons who were off the grid.
Since March 18, all international airports in Guyana were closed to commercial traffic, with only priority to outgoing, cargo, medevac or specially authorised flights. Guyana joined Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname and many other countries in the closing of their airports to international flights as threats from the virus advanced.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CJIA, Ramesh Ghir had indicated that the significant reduction of passengers would undoubtedly have a significant impact on the entity’s revenue.
As a result of COVID-19, the airport had modified its operations for outgoing and incoming flights to Guyana.
