Dear Editor,
I note the preparations that are being made for the Rio Summit and CWC 2007. It is indeed a marvellous opportunity to showcase Guyana, one that should be taken very seriously by all concerned.
I see the rubble from the burnt out site of the Ministry of Housing on Homestretch Avenue being cleared ( by BK vehicles), roads being repaired, hotels being built etc. This is all very good indeed.
The media carried reports not so long ago about the fact that the stadium and the Cheddi Jagan Airport are ready, works are ongoing to provide road lighting from CJIA to the Timehri docks area (what about lights along the entire east bank public road, is it only the east coast road that needs street lights?). The railway embankment road is also being lit from Ogle to Sheriff Street.
Guyana hopes to welcome thousands of people within the space of about four days (remember these people will be following the games).
Coupled with the increased local air traffic to Kaieteur, Baganara, Orinduik, Annai etc where the tourists are expected to fly for visits, given the fact that the control tower is yet to receive the hoped for and much needed new equipment, it is anybody’s guess as to how this feat will be accomplished.
The VOR has not been flight checked as yet (this is required every 12 or 18 months depending on its history) for in excess of 2 years. The DME (Distance Measuring Equipment) has not as yet been acquired, the ATS clock for the Tower Cab has not been bought, neither has the ILS ( Instrument Landing System) been replaced. One airline has written to the Aviation Authorities requesting a Liability Statement in order for them to navigate through our airspace and we are spending monies to power wash the exterior of the Control Tower and to repaint the few remaining NavAids and their shells.
I guess that is what Robert Nestor Marley meant when he said ” some people put the best outside and some people keep the best inside” Aesthetics it seems is more important than functionality and safety.
I trust and pray that the Almighty God grant us a safe, peaceful and enjoyable tournament.
Yours faithfully,
R Peters
