New BK terminal to boost Guyana’s food distribution capabilities in interior & Caricom countries

– President Ali says enhanced connectivity to unlock new economic possibilities
Guyana’s push to transform its interior regions into major hubs of commerce, logistics and food production is set to advance significantly with the construction of the new BK air terminal in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni). President Dr Irfaan Ali, speaking at the sod-turning ceremony on Sunday, said the project represents a decisive step toward deepening national connectivity and positioning Guyana to supply food directly from interior regions into CARICOM markets within the next 12 months. “In simple terms, when places are easier to reach, they become easier to grow,” President Ali told the gathering, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to integrating coastal and hinterland development. “Within 12 months, we will fly food out from the interior—whether it’s Lethem or here—directly into CARICOM countries. We will get it done.”

The President said the new terminal is part of a broader national strategy to tie every region of Guyana into a modern, interconnected system of road, river, air and digital infrastructure. He described Bartica as central to this vision, noting that the town’s history has always reflected movement, connection and opportunity.
“Connectivity is the backbone of economic development, because it links people, goods, services and ideas,” he emphasised. Improved connectivity, he added, reduces transportation costs, opens new markets, enhances investor confidence and drives tourism, construction and innovation. He noted that the new hub will immediately save at least 20 minutes on regional connections and reduce operational costs for aviation operators by up to one-third.
The President outlined emerging opportunities made possible through modern infrastructure, including the use of drones to deliver emergency medical supplies and critical parts to hinterland mining camps in under an hour—cutting delivery times currently as long as nine hours. “These are the possibilities that are now enabled,” he said. Commending the BK Group of Companies for what he described as a “shrewd investment,” President Ali said the aviation sector is modernising rapidly, but must now adopt “more balanced pricing” to support consumers. He challenged air operators to reduce transport costs by at least 15 per cent, citing Government incentives such as tax and fuel concessions. “Public investment creates the environment, but private investment creates the opportunities,” he said. “This terminal proves that alignment of vision.”
The design of the new BK terminal was praised as modern, efficient and forward-looking, with the President noting that it will significantly enhance safety, comfort, commercial activity and tourism for Region Seven. “This investment… and their continuous investment in the economy, is part of an economic concept that is called a wealth multiplier index. Because as you integrate more in your companies, and you build on your core business and expand, you are multiplying your wealth index. You are diversifying your business portfolio from within. But importantly, if you track the development of the company, it is in keeping with the expansion of our national development strategy,” he added.
Bartica’s transformation accelerates
President Ali detailed the substantial investments made in Bartica in recent years, asserting that the town is rapidly evolving from a gateway to the interior into a fully diversified regional economic centre. In 2025, the Government commissioned the upgraded Bartica Stelling, part of a larger plan to modernise waterfront infrastructure, boost tourism, expand trade and integrate Region Seven into international commerce. Plans are also underway for a world-class marina that will position Bartica as a premier destination for yachting, boating and river tourism.
The town has seen major investments in housing expansion, new roads, drainage upgrades, and essential services. A new water treatment plant—capable of producing three million litres of treated water per day, is moving Bartica towards the Government’s goal of achieving 100 per cent access to treated water. In addition, the landing of a submarine fibre optic cable in 2025 has brought high-speed internet and 5G connectivity to the town. “Fast internet today is not a luxury,” President Ali said. “It is electricity for the mind.”
Critical road linkages are also being developed. A national highway network will soon connect Bartica to the new Demerara River Bridge at Wales, and onward to Timehri, strengthening the town’s integration into the national transport grid. Once the BK terminal and new aerodrome are complete, Bartica will boast robust connections by river, road and air—an achievement few hinterland regions in the Caribbean can match. “Bartica will no longer be a gateway you pass through. Bartica will be the destination you go to,” the President declared.