Guyana’s aviation sector moving ahead rapidly

Dear Editor,
Sometimes when we are in the middle of development, we do not quite realise it and the appropriate response takes too long.
Recently, our prime minister acknowledged the expansion and success of Guyana’s aviation sector, within the rapid growing development of mankind (and specifically the mining industry).
At an aviation symposium recently, he conveyed that the development of Ogle International Airport is proof that progress in Guyana, through the air transport link, between neighbouring countries and to and from the hinterland, is something that must be internalised. When it comes to the mining sector in Guyana, I think that Guyana must think ahead.
Already, road transport is a worrying factor in the hinterland, as too many accidents are taking place. Commuting in the hinterland has increased manifold times, and young, inexperienced drivers are not quite up to it. I hope that air travel will never have to go through this.
In Guyana, so far, there is no cause to worry, as regards air travel ‘to and from’ interior locations, but it would be wise to implement preventative measures from now. The mining industry dictates that Lethem must have an airport, and plans are already under review, by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
We should realise by now that Region Nine is one of the most rapidly developing places in Guyana. The Takutu Bridge, the emerging agriculture sector and the enhancement of tourism have all contributed to this development. So even as infrastructure is going up, the requisite alertness, training and education of personnel and the general public must be on par.
I remember a time when coming up to Georgetown in the afternoon was “a piece of cake” as there was hardly any traffic, but this is not the case anymore. Guyana’s roads are almost always with vehicles. That is why we need to revisit our road rules, particularly the speed limits, even if only to adjust them for particular hours during peak moments. Our roads are too few – the number of vehicles cannot be accommodated easily.
There was a time too when the droning of aircrafts was quite noticeable – back then, people came out to watch.
Now, I see so many that the novelty is no more. It can be a nuisance at times, but that is how development is.
So I ask that the entire community of interior workers be educated along the lines of proper aviation, safe driving and safe living in the remote areas of Guyana.
Yours faithfully,
Pooran Daas