Dear Editor,
Over the last few weeks the issue of two airstrips in Leguan and Wakenaam has drawn a wide variety of views in your newspaper, mostly negative. The Regional Chairman of Region Three is reported (SN 15.4.09) to have said that consultations (?) on the airstrips were held with the residents. The who, what, when and where are unclear.
However, Editor, I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that the proposed construction of these two airstrips is the single most significant and wholesome development on these islands in the last sixty years.
Most of the residents are farmers and I am sure they are jumping for joy in the knowledge that their rice, ground provisions and fruits can be air-dashed to Ogle then to the city. On their return trip they can bring dry goods, clothes, machinery, and the world of plastic to fill their trenches and drains. Say goodbye to the old-time sloop and Malali; perhaps, even cattle can take the air to the abattoir in Water Street.
It is a widespread belief that more of these islanders live in other parts of Guyana and in the diaspora than on native soil.
These airstrips will facilitate direct landings from Skeldon, Ogle, Hampton Court, Mabaruma and Lethem. Our overseas brethren can now come to Timehri with the jumbo and then zip across with their luggage and ‘freeness.’ Forget airport taxis and speedboats and mendicants and pickpockets around the CJIA. What a relief.
I don’t understand the notion that the money should be spent on crumbling sea defences, disappearing roads, and on water, health, and education and employment facilities. I am convinced that we can fly in experts and materials to fix the roads, sea walls, and facilities. In the process health, education, employment and recreation will experience a boom.
With the national take-off in tourism we can fix the Old Dutch punts, estate and colonial houses, logies, churches and kokers.
The roadside bushes and pristine forests with indigenous flora and fauna will attract all and sundry. Hotels, restaurants and resorts will take root and the airstrips will be operating twenty-four hours a day.
Of course, no one can over-estimate the importance of these airstrips in times of campaigns, territorial invasions, church revivals and narco diversions. The social, economic and spiritual rejuvenation of Leguan and Wakenaam is now assured.
Editor, my only concern is that the asphalt should not be less than one inch thick. But of course, we are dealing with light planes, so no big deal, really.
Yours faithfully,
P. Lall
