In a ground-breaking development, the Sheriff Group of Companies is expected to construct an international-standard airport in Lethem, Guyana.
Ameir Ahmad, one of the directors of the company this week confirmed to the Sunday Stabroek that the company is embarking on the venture noting that it has been in the works for years.
Stating that the company is extremely excited about the project, Ahmad when asked said that the country can see movements between one to two years. However, he demurred at confirming whether the company has so far acquired land in the Region Nine area.
A video provided by Ahmad noted that the airport represents a significant leap forward in establishing a “new dynamic mode of travel from South America to North America, Europe and beyond.”
The Sheriff Group last January announced the construction of a specialty hospital at Palmyra, Region Six; an investment which after completion will open up 400 jobs to Berbicians.
Ahmad had said that the specialty hospital will be a three-storey structure with a total of 150 rooms, which is expected to drastically improve the delivery of healthcare in the Berbice area. Accommodation for doctors and certain sections of staff will also be built at the location.
According to him, the infrastructure itself is expected to cost the company around $5 billion, while the equipment is estimated to cost between $10 billion and $15 billion.
Meanwhile, in February, 2023, the company announced the construction of a three-story building also at Palmyra to house the headquarters for Sheriff Security in the ancient county where they already have some 100 staff on payroll.
Ahmad had said then that the $400 million building will also provide a business centre for companies wishing to open operations in the region.
Questioned then about the financing of projects, Ahmad said, “We are engaging the banks and our profits. Our investments are so large. We’re also taking a big risk in Berbice, using our finances, and loans.”
In October last year, the company turned the sod at Palmyra, Region Six, for a mall – the first of its kind to be built in Berbice. The mall will be done in four phases with the first costing some $1.3b, and expected to be completed in August 2024.
While, in January of this year, the company announced the establishment of Sheriff Construction Inc., marking a further expansion of its operations here.
A release from the company had said that under the leadership of Ameir Ahmad and father, Shareef Ahmad it is poised to make an impact on Guyana’s construction industry.
Sheriff Construction Inc. has already procured 50 dump trucks, with an additional 50 trucks expected to arrive by the end of 2024. The release said that the company has also purchased four excavators and two cranes to support its operations.
