Extortion allegations being treated with utmost seriousness – CJIA

The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Thursday released a statement underscoring that it is treating with “utmost seriousness” recent allegations of extortion involving a passenger who was reportedly forced to pay money for overweight baggage fees.
The claim, which implicates individuals operating at the airport, has prompted a joint investigation by CJIA, Caribbean Airlines, and the Guyana Police Force (GPF).
In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, CJIA reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on bribery and corruption, pledging full cooperation with authorities to ensure transparency and accountability.
“The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) is treating recent public bribery and extortion allegations concerning overweight baggage fees for Caribbean Airlines with the utmost seriousness,” the statement said.
“CJIA assures the public that it is working closely with the airline and relevant authorities to investigate the claims raised by a Caribbean Airlines passenger thoroughly.”
The airport reminded travellers that all official payments, including overweight baggage fees, must be made directly to the airline through approved channels, and an official receipt must always be issued.
Passengers are urged never to make payments to individual officers or staff and to report any such incidents immediately to airport security or the nearest Police Station.
“Travellers are strongly encouraged to immediately report any witnessed or encountered bribery or corruption to the nearest Police Station, CJIA Security,” the statement said.
This response from the airport comes in the wake of a separate statement by the GPF in late September, confirming that a formal complaint had been made against Police ranks stationed at CJIA in another allegation.
That allegation claimed officers demanded money from the passenger in order to release lawful personal items. According to the GPF, CCTV footage and other evidence corroborated the passenger’s account.
As a result, the officers involved were placed under close arrest, and the matter is now being handled by the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).
In response to the incident, the authority moved swiftly, ordering mandatory body cameras for all law enforcement officers operating at any port of entry – including airports and border crossings, effective September 29.
The GPF also reminded the public that no payment is required to clear lawful items through any port of entry in Guyana, and any demand for money under such circumstances should be reported immediately to the nearest Police authority.
“The GPF has zero tolerance for corruption. Any officer found guilty of extortion or bribery will face the full force of the law. The public is reminded that no payment of any kind is required to clear lawful items through CJIA or any other port. If anyone is asked for money, report it immediately to the nearest Police authority,” the GPF statement said.
Meanwhile, CJIA’s security unit has reported continued success in its operations of recovering and returning lost items.
“During the first nine months of 2025, the airport security unit has recovered and returned numerous items to passengers, including 80 laptops, 32 mobile phones, 106 pieces of luggage/carry-ons, 15 travel documents, 30 electronic devices and cash,” the CJIA statement said.
CJIA credited the success of this unit as a direct reflection of the professionalism and integrity the airport upholds.
“As we reaffirm our zero-tolerance stance on corruption, we remain focused on transparency, accountability, and service excellence in every aspect of our work,” the CJIA Public Relations Officer, Shunza Samuels, is quoted as saying.
CJIA can be contacted regarding such matters via email at [email protected] or by phone at +592 699-9074.