High praises as CJIA’s new arrivals terminal becomes operational

DPI, Guyana, Saturday, September 22, 2018

There was nothing but high praises from incoming passengers at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) who were processed using the facility’s new Arrivals Terminal which became fully operational today.

Passengers on the incoming flights this morning were warmly greeted by the sweet sound of steel pan music and a taste of Guyana’s rich culture.

The Department of Public Information (DPI) had the opportunity to speak with some of the passengers who lauded the new facility.

Doreen Jonas, an overseas-based Guyanese returning home for vacation was visibly lost for words as she expressed her excitement with the new facility. Jonas stated that she is “so impressed” noting that the country has “stepped up.”

Returning from Shangai and South Korea, businessman Hemraj Kissoon remarked that the new facilities remind him of “one of the developed countries” noting the facility is “beautiful and Guyana is going somewhere”.

Chief Executive Officer of Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Ramesh Ghir

Arriving passenger, Dr. Yanick Vibert is in Guyana as part of the Bridges Global Missions programme

Arriving passenger, Hemraj Kissoon is a businessman returning from Shangai and South Korea

Passengers at the baggage carrousel at the New Arrivals terminal at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA)

Passengers disembarking the aircraft using one of the boarding bridges

Arriving passenger, Doreen Jonas is an overseas-based Guyanese returning home for vacation

Dr. Yanick Vibert, who is in Guyana as part of the Bridges Global Missions programme disclosed that this is her third time here. She told DPI that the new infrastructural developments “shows that Guyana isn’t limited by the label of developing country,” noting that upon arrival at CJIA, it is clear that “there is a richness in the country”.

CJIA Chief Executive Officer, Ramesh Ghir deemed the official opening “a major milestone in the airport’s infrastructural developments.”

He said that the airport will now “process all arriving passengers through this new terminal.” Ghir made it a point to note that “departing passengers will also be using the boarding bridges.”

“So, in essence, from our operational point of view, we’ll be using the newer part of the terminal for both arrival and departures,” the CEO explained.

He told DPI that works being done in the Departure Terminal as well as on the runway are still ongoing noting that only half of the Departure Terminal is operational. The works are on schedule and are expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Anara Khan

Images: Karime Peters