President Donald Ramotar and President of Suriname Desi Bouterse walking with an entourage to the arrival area of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport as passengers exit Surinam Airways during its inaugural flight en-route to Miami
Presidents Donald Ramotar and Desi Bouterse took the opportunity to underscore the importance of regional integration, as they witnessed the takeoff of Surinam Airways’ inaugural flight from Georgetown to Miami on Tuesday, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) Timehri.
Ramotar said the relaunch of Surinam Airways in Guyana is a step in the further improvement of bilateral relations between the two countries. He said that the relationship is growing, pointing to the recent launch of a Surinamese insurance company in Guyana.
“This shows that Guyana and Suriname are taking very seriously our commitment to integration of our countries’ economies and Caricom as a whole,” Ramotar stated. The president believes that the flight from Georgetown to Miami will create opportunities for those in the diaspora to return and invest or just travel. Both Guyana and Suriname, Ramotar said, stand to benefit significantly, as both countries are classified as Caribbean and South American states.
The president stated: “This will also give us easier opportunities to fly to Africa and other southern destinations. To get there now we have to travel to North America and then pass our countries before reaching there. Now, this will offer us opportunities of getting there faster, cheaper, and with less fatigue.”
President Ramotar lauded the initiative, noting that this will also boost tourism and open linkages, not only in the Caribbean, but the rest of the South American region. Tourism, he said, could also be developed further for both Guyana and Suriname, through Europe.
Meanwhile, President Bouterse, who was accompanied by some of members of his government, lauded the initiative taken by Surinam Airways. The Surinamese leader noted that the two countries are likely to benefit from each other in many ways, pointing out that both countries are active members of several regional and international bodies.
“Our two countries have made great progress in the field of land connectivity, citing the implementation of the Canawaima Ferry Service and currently we are in the process of weighing our options for the construction of a bridge in the Corentyne River,” the Surinamese leader stated.
He also believes that frequent flights between the countries’ capitals will help to enable accessibility to other regional and extra-regional destinations.
Bouterse ended by saying, “April 3, 2012 marks the beginning of a new chapter for Suriname and Guyana in the growing friendship, cooperation, air connectivity and most importantly, national development.”
Surinam Airways Chief Executive Officer and President E Henshuys said the airline is happy that both heads of state were present to witness the inaugural flight. “Surinam Airways is a customer-driven company, and will adhere to the customers’ request now and in the future,” Henshuys stated.
He reminded the gathering that the team is still looking at the possibility of flying to Toronto, Canada from Guyana.
Works, Transport and Hydraulics Minister Robeson Benn expressed his excitement over Surinam Airways’ return. This will ensure competitive opportunities, and will maintain the air bridge to North America and also develop the south linkages in Brazil and farther afield, Benn said.
The minister pointed out that Guyana has been making huge investments in improving the infrastructure of its main port of entry – the CJIA. He also pointed to the Ogle International Airport being developed as a regional hub and could see regional flights arrive there soon.
Government plans to expand the terminal building of the CJIA from 900 square metres to 14,000 square metres and its runway from 7500 feet to 10,500 feet.
Some Gy$ 4.5 billion was allocated towards this project in this year’s budget. This is to further develop and expand Guyana’s air transport facility.
Benn requested that management work to ensure that travel is safe, efficient and cheap for all passengers.
The inaugural reception was also attended by Caricom’s Secretary General Irwin LaRoque and Suriname Ambassador to Guyana Manorma Soeknandan, acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali and other dignitaries from both governments and other officials.
