Guyana’s first modern cold storage facility located at Timehri will open in two weeks as a boost to the health and commercial sectors of the country.
The joint US, Government of Guyana and Larparkan Group of Companies $100M project will open in April on schedule, and will prevent spoilage of essential HIV/ AIDS drugs and also facilitate the storage of fresh produce, fish and other products bound for the US and elsewhere.
Medicines and vaccines will now be stored in a 20-foot container at the facility, which comprises four 40-foot containers and the 20-foot container set aside for the health sector.
Minister of Health Dr Leslie Ramsammy, who was on site yesterday, noted that vaccines need to be stored separately from other health items as part of international regulations. According to him the lack of a proper storage facility in the past for medicine and vaccines has resulted in countless losses. He said the health sector usually purchases millions of dollars in these products- many of which go bad within hours if not stored in a cold environment.
Additionally, exporters will no longer have to store their perishables in refrigerated trucks outside the airport.
It is under President Bush’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and with US$40,000 assistance from Laparkan, which included the shipment of all 5 containers at a cost of US$5,000 each to Guyana and an additional input from government, that the facility was constructed.
The storage container facility, which is located at the Timehri Fire Station, left of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, was toured yesterday by US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Thomas Shannon and Ramsammy among others.
Shannon said that PEPFAR has been an astounding success as a developmental initiative, adding that whatever generosity comes from the heart of the American people depends on the ability and skills of the partners. He said they are happy to have a partner like Guyana.
“This is really about social and economic development and how we can take PEPFAR and turn it into something greater than a public health programme and also create an environment in which people can take control of their own lives and take advantage of economic opportunities and make public health an essential part of it,” he added.
Meanwhile Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Laparkan Group of Companies, Glen Khan told the media yesterday that the necessary arrangements would be in place to secure the facility from being tarnished by the trade of illicit drugs. He said they will work with the relevant security agencies and all the parties with a vested interest to make sure that it is not contaminated.
He noted that Laparkan’s involvement in this project stems from its commitment to fuel the growth of non-traditional exports. He explained that at present the company operates two air cargo flights per week and would be adding a third on April 23, pointing out that the cold storage facility would be convenient.
