Latest update February 6th, 2025 7:27 AM
CJIA, GDF investigate ‘illegal road’ at Timehri
Alarmed at revelations that a secret road was constructed aback the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Camp Stephenson and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in Timehri North, airport and army officials, along with the Public Works Ministry’s office, have launched an investigation into the matter. According to the officials, no authorization was given for the construction of any road in the vicinity of the two important agencies. It was stated further that they are unaware of any documentation being out for land in or around the area where the airport runway expansion project is ongoing.
This almost two mile- long section of the “illegal” road is built over swamp grounds with farm boards8
Airport Public Relations Officer Aneka Edwards told Kaieteur News that officials and members of the Public Works Ministry were expected to meet with the businessman whose name was given as Churchill. Allegations are that Churchill, a resident of the Timehri Base Road, would have cordoned off a section of farmland; restricting Timehri North residents from conducting farming activities in an area a short distance away from the airport expansion project.
Public Works Minister Robeson Benn had declared that Timehri residents should move their homes because they are dwelling on state land; the same land allegedly acquired with legal documentation by the businessman.
The PRO said the man’s claims have raised eyebrows. She pointed out that the road which connects the Timehri Base Road to Timehri North might as well be an illegal one since again; it is unclear where he would have gotten authorization to cut the road.
Army Chief, Brigadier Mark Phillips, has also related his awareness to the matter and has posited that a military team is also looking into the issue of the road. Brigadier Phillips told Kaieteur News that he was made aware of the matter but he is not aware that any permission was granted for its construction. The Army Head clarified further that the agency is not encouraging any such activity in the area.
The almost three mile-long road is made up of a footpath created with boards and a grass track accessible by vehicles. Timehri residents believe that the road may provide easy access to their community by unscrupulous characters and also provide a means for “smuggling” items to the area where the international airport is located.
They say that they are uneasy, since persons have already started using the road which crosses the swamped out area to come into their space undetected.
The road begins half a mile ahead of the Timehri Police Station, and residents say anything coming to the community could arrive there without ever having to pass the police. Residents were strongly concerned about receiving “bad name” for negative activities that might occur, “in our usually quiet” community.
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