Granger blames “small mindedness” for delay of OIA renaming

– Gouveia disappointed with choice of words by HOS

President David Granger in his weekly television programme “Public Interest” has slammed aircraft operators for the delay in renaming the Ogle International Airport (OIA), describing the behaviour of those operators as “small minded”.

A few months ago, the president suggested the idea of renaming the airport as Eugene Correia International Airport but this did not go down well with some of the private aircraft owners who objected to the proposal.
These include Air Services Limited, and Roraima Airways, who were more concerned with mending some of the issues plaguing the airport and to holistically develop Guyana’s aviation sector.
At that time, President of the National Air Transport Association (NATA) Annette Arjoon had stated that despite tremendous contributions to Guyana’s growth over the years, the aviation sector has not seen the development and representation that it needs to propel it forward.

Correia Group of Companies is not a member NATA but according to Vice President Gerry Gouveia this was due to the fact that the group was “refused” a meeting with Michael Correria regarding the issues affecting operators at the Airport.
However, the Head of State made the proposal on the basis that Eugene Correia would have contributed enormously to Guyana while he was alive. Although dead more than 50 year ago, his career was described as stellar since he was minister of communications responsible for aviation, a pilot, and also the recipient of a national award.
“There is no doubt in my mine he is a deserving person after whom the airport should be named… Controversy arose not because of the character of Mr Corriea but because of the small mindedness of some persons who know nothing of Correia or what he has done for this country and that is very disturbing,” the president remarked.
He added that he is very disappointed at a personal level at the malicious behaviour of those persons claiming that anyone who knows Correia would agree is the best name to use as consideration to rename the airport.
However, the president noted that after he proposed the name change, he listened to the criticisms and would have met with a few people who objected. “As I said, I continue to be disappointed that they would put personality before nationality… it is my view that is a national interest that the airport is being named after a son of the soil who has done a lot”.
However, the recent comments by the president have prompted a reaction from executive director of Roraima Airways Gerry Gouviea, who took to his Facebook page to express views on the issue.
“The President is insulting the intelligence of the Majority of the Aircraft operators. I am baffled by his insistence and determination to rename the airport against the wishes of the majority,” the businessman stated.
He went on to say it is obvious the President is oblivious to the enormous advantages and value of branding in the world of business. He also vented concerns with the words “small mindedness” used by the president during his television programme.