CJIA says no contracts were entered into for Arrivals Duty-Free Concession

In light of concerns raised by local operators with respect to the tendering process applicable for duty-free shops at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), the CJIA has said that no new contract was entered into for Arrivals Duty-Free Concession.
The Department of Public Information (DPI) has reported that, over the past few years, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation had been publicly advertising and inviting Expressions of Interest for the various concessions available at the airport. This policy decision allows for qualifying individuals and companies to be awarded concessions in a fair, equitable, and transparent manner.
Recently, the CJIA engaged in a public process for Expressions of Interest for Arrivals Duty-Free Concession; Departures Duty-Free Concession; Advertising Concession; Provision of Insurance Services; Provision of Legal Services; Ground Handling Concessions; Executive Lounge Concession and Office Rental Concession.
Similar to the public tendering process, the qualifying criteria for the various concessions are clearly spelled out in the Expression of Interest document.
Once these Expressions of Interest are received, they are evaluated, and a decision is taken based on criteria set out in the document.
The Arrivals Duty-Free Concession was publicly advertised, and a conditional award was made to the most responsive bidders. No new contract was entered into for Arrivals Duty-Free Concession.
CJIAC has said it values the relationship with its existing stakeholders, and will continue to work with them to ensure that all new awards are done in an impartial and transparent manner.
“As a matter of fact, we have had several meetings with stakeholders to provide clarification and guidance on the bidding process”.
Notwithstanding the above, CJIAC has said, it has an obligation to provide a variety of services for airport users; and “we remain committed to promoting and supporting our local companies and manufacturers”.
“As in any public solicitation process, we are committed to honouring all the conditions set out in the evaluation and award process. Companies and bidders that require assistance/clarification on the tendering process are encouraged to reach out to the management of the airport for guidance and assistance”.
It has been reported that several firms had met with Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson last week, and raised their concerns. Thus far, ANSA McAL and Kings Enterprises were given spots at the recently rehabilitated Duty-Free Area.
Guyana Times has been told that Banks DIH Limited and Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) have applied for spots, but are yet to be given the green light.