Team-building workshop held for airport stakeholders

The Ministry of Public Works and the management of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri hosted a team-building workshop for stakeholders in preparation for the expanded service the renovated facility is expected to offer.

According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, the workshop discussed topics such as strengthening cooperation between CJIA and its partners, leadership, building customer loyalty, passengers’ views of the CJIA and its stakeholders and, the latter’s role in CJIA in 2015.

Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn said the goal of the workshop is to provide a SWOT analysis that identifies the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, improved services offered and environment, and the threats that can emerge will be evaluated by different stakeholders. He said changes are necessary as the airport will be a new facility.

According to Benn, the completion of the airport expansion will facilitate air travel to the rest of the Southern hemisphere, Africa, India and China with the CJIA being the hub for faster air travel. The CJIA envisions providing a service that will enhance travel, particularly for locals and Guyanese in the Diaspora.

Regarding the expansion plans, Benn said that the land selected for the airport includes the expansion of the runway to accommodate landing of large aircraft and as such steps are being taken to relocate squatters near the airport. Talks have been held with the Ministry of Housing and the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission to select an appropriate area to relocate these persons, GINA said.

Chief Executive Officer at the CJIA Ramesh Ghir said it is imperative that all stakeholders be prepared for the additional air traffic and arriving passengers. He said the airport’s mission and vision statements, which were crafted with Guyana’s well-known traits in mind, aims to ensure that all safety and customer service needs are met and that the CJIA offers an efficient, financially viable service that exceeds all required international standards.