“Make Guyana your stopover choice” – Edghill urges airlines for long-haul flights

In light of significant investments being made to upgrade the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), along with efforts being undertaken to facilitate ease of travel, airlines are being encouraged to make Guyana their stopover choice for long-haul flights.

The call was made by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill on Tuesday night during a reception to mark the inaugural United Airlines flight between Georgetown and Houston. Edghill indicated that as Guyana continues to attract more investments in its aviation sector and witnesses increases in arrivals within the country, Government is making the necessary investments to support the growth of the industry.
Affirming his views on the welcoming of the airlines, he said this development shows that Guyana is one step closer to greater things. With this view, he made known towards foreigners from Houston that they should see Guyana as the hub that connects South America with the Caribbean.
Lending his perspective on the recent number of foreigners that entered the country, the minister expressed that every foreigner who visits Guyana provides a gain towards the country’s tourism sector.
“We want to see full capacity of visitors coming in and coming out of the country; so, to all those who are marketing the country, thank you for helping, every time a visitor comes to Guyana it is good for Guyana, and it is good for what Guyana wants to do for the rest of the world,” he stated.
Further, he explained that the ministry is doing everything within its power to ensure foreigners experience great ease of doing business and travel in Guyana.
“Make Guyana your stopover choice during long-haul flights,” the minister told the gathering. Further, he pointed to the legislative amendment made in 2022 to allow licensed foreigners to drive in the country without having a local permit, which are still in momentum. This amendment ensures that a foreign driver visiting Guyana is able to drive within the country without having to apply for a permit.
According to Edghill, all of these privileges are set to enhance the stay of foreigners, and equip them with easy navigation.
“We are also ensuring that foreigners can witness bilingual signs and directions throughout Guyana,” he reassured persons at the event.
Additionally, Edghill referred to the significant investments being made in the CJIA, affirming that scores of infrastructural works are currently being undertaken to upgrade the infrastructure of the CJIA. He said there are four major projects ongoing at the airport, and he unveiled that work is currently being done for the building of a commercial centre, which is set to be completed soon.
According to Minister Edghill, this centre would be equipped with a VIP lounge and a wide capacity to make the travel experience much more comfortable for travellers. He added that a special building is to be constructed to house airline offices, providing the current 300-plus staff of the airport with accommodation.
He also noted that a new administration building is under construction, and fourthly, the baggage system within the airport will be enhanced, which would significantly reduce the time it takes travellers to get their luggage.
Highlighting the importance of fast service for travellers, he said that congestion and long waiting hours are experiences he wishes not to be harboured.
“Congestion is not something that you ever want at airports. It is costly and it is something that…can be a great inconvenience to travellers around the world,” he expressed.
The board of Directors of the CJIA is working to ensure a better airline and to ensure the people of Guyana have a better travel experience. (G2)