With the vision of expansion as well as bridging the gaps in transportation between hinterland communities and the coastlands, Air Services Limited (ASL) yesterday launched scheduled flights to Region Seven.
The flights, which will begin from November 12th, will operate every Tues-day and Thursday from Ogle to Kama-rang, with connections to Imbaimadai, Phillipai, Chi Chi East, Chi Chi West, Paruima, Kaikan and Ekereku Bottom.
The new service is expected to serve communities where the only means of getting to and from the coastland were chartered flights.
ASL Manager Annette Arjoon-Martins said a decision was taken to venture into the region since they recognised that it was an underserved market.
She noted that with the introduction of the service, ASL will improve the movement of people and cargo in a more efficient way.
“The time has come for us to expand our footprint even further and in Region Seven we see as a place with perfect opportunities for us to grow as well, and not only grow in the traditional sectors but the new sectors, such as tourism,” Arjoon-Martins emphasised.
“We are going to [be] based there and serving not only Kamarang but using there as a platform to serve all the villages in Region Seven; it is really exciting for us to be launching our new service,” she added.
Arjoon-Martins noted that the new venture replicates the startup of ASL’s operations in Mahdia, Region Eight, and hoped that within a few years they will be able to expand in the same manner.
With a flight schedule to the communities, the ASL Manager said she hopes that they can contribute to development of eco-tourism and agro-processing in the communities. She noted that the community of Paruima is filled with potential to become the next major eco-tourism destination in Guyana.
Minister of State Dawn Hastings-Williams congratulated ASL for its bold step in expanding its service and said a major challenge for hinterland residents is transportation.
She noted that the introduction of the flights to the communities in the region will tremendously benefit residents by providing a hassle-free and economical means of travel.
Growing up in an indigenous region and having to travel often, the Minister said she knows of the difficulty of having access to reliable transportation. She stated that residents will be happy to learn of the new service.
“Having been born in Region Seven and growing up there, I have recognised that one of the biggest challenges we have in getting from the City to the Mazaruni is the mode of transportation. I can say that this demonstrates that you are very serious about your role in bridging the gaps in terms of services between the hinterland and the coastland. I wish to congratulate you because you have taken a bold step at this time of the year. I think this is a Christmas gift to our brothers and sisters in the Upper Mazaruni,” she said.
Hastings-Williams added that the service provides many new opportunities for residents through the agriculture and tourism sectors.
“There are so many opportunities that can be had from bridging these gaps and offering these services. I know the people are excited. This will mean so much to the residents and also help in the development of the communities, tourism and agriculture,” the minister said.
“Air Services as a private entity has taken the role. You are showing and telling us that you are very serious in what you do. On behalf of the government, I want to say thank you for coming in to partner with us to provide critical services to the people,” she declared.
Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure with responsibility for aviation Jaipaul Sharma, while congratulating the company, said its decision illustrates their confidence in the country’s economy and its commitment to serve Guyanese people.
“When these flights come on board, it will add so much to the residents because chartering itself is very expensive and it is not something you can always do because you have to wait on the funds to be available. So, with the scheduled flights, the residents can now plan their lives, livelihoods and activities in a more programmed way,” he said.
Meanwhile, Paruima Toshao Lee Williams said the community would no longer have to spend excess money to charter flights out of their community.
He explained that the introduction of this new service will allow his community to achieve its tourism and agricultural potential. He noted that transportation to his community and others has been a burden for them as they were restricted from travelling freely.
“We have to charter flights usually and so we are happy and I have to commend Air Services. Paruima is the only Arecuna people in Guyana so it is unique and we are trying to develop our tourism product to bring economic activities in our community. So now this service is here, it can really boost our tourism,” he stressed.
Additionally, the Toshao called for assistance to rehabilitate the airstrip in his village. He noted that there is a bump on the air strip which needs to be graded to facilitate a smooth liftoff and landing.
“Every time we land, we have to say a prayer because there is a bump on the airstrip and it is not safe. We always have to pray,” Williams was quoted as saying.
However, efforts are being made by Arjoon-Martins and the Ministry of Public Infrastructure to remedy the situation.
