Latest update February 4th, 2025 9:06 AM
Stephen Fraser heads CJIA board
– Opposition yet to submit nominee
At a simple ceremony hosted in Kingston yesterday, the newly appointed board of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) was officially signed.
From Left: Ramesh Ghir; Sherwood Clarke; Gerhard Ramsroop; Minster of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson; Chairman of the Board, Stephen Fraser; Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson; Gillian Pollard; Nadia Jaikarran; Sherwood Clarke and Balraj Balram.
The members include the Chairman, Stephen Fraser; Gerhard Ramsaroop; Nadia Jaikarran; Stuart Hughes; Gillian Pollard; Sherwood Clarke; Ex-Officio Member, Balraj Balram and the Vice Chairman, Ramesh Ghir.
The name of the ninth member, a representative of the opposition, is yet to be submitted.
“…The leader of the opposition has been requested to submit his nominee; he has not done so as yet, (but) whenever he does, I will gladly appoint that person and accommodate him on the board,” Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson stated.
He continued, “There is a space for the parliamentary opposition, (this is) in keeping with the policy and mandate of the Government.”
For the new members of the CJIA board, being visionaries was the challenge put forward to them by Patterson and Minister within the Ministry, Annette Ferguson.
Patterson urged the board to not only recognise the meaningful positions they were in but to also be creative in their approaches. He also asked the board to focus on cost efficiency.
Noting that the airport saw a six percent increase in travellers during 2015, Patterson projected that this figure will only grow in 2016. He added that the board’s first challenge will be the handling of those coming to Guyana to celebrate the nation’s 50th Independence anniversary.
“You will be charged with ensuring that our brothers and sisters feel very welcomed,” Patterson said.
He further expressed hope that the airport capacities will be greatly improved under its new board. He urged the members to open Guyana’s airways to more flights.
He said that currently Guyana has low connectivity with its South American neighbours, a situation he hoped would be addressed.
Minister Ferguson thanked the members for accepting their appointments and urged them to work closely with the Ministry.
CJIA Chairman, Stephen Fraser, thanked the Ministers for their expressed trust in the board. He said that he was so far comfortable with the board and CJIA’s management and indicated that the board will work towards developing synergy for the airport. He expressed his gratitude for ongoing works at the airport, particularly the airport expansion project.
In relation to the completion of the Runway Expansion Project, Patterson said that it is estimated to be completed by the end of 2017.
He stated that the board’s role is significant in seeing the project and “economic drive” coming to fruition by providing “expert guidance on key issues” pertaining to its execution.
“I see this board as an investment partner and a think-tank for CJIA operations. I’m optimistic that it will achieve its mandate through accountability and integrity”.
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