CJIA launches probe into alleged bribery scandal

Oct 10, 2025 News

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— restates zero tolerance for corruption at airport

(Kaieteur News) – The Cheddi Jagan Airport (CJIA) has launched a full-scale investigation into allegations of bribery and extortion involving overweight baggage fees for Caribbean Airlines passengers, assuring the public that the matter is being treated with “the utmost seriousness.”

In a strongly worded statement, the airport management confirmed that it is working closely with Caribbean Airlines and law enforcement authorities to probe the claims made by a passenger who alleged that airport personnel solicited payments outside official channels. CJIA reminded travellers that all official fees, including overweight baggage charges, must be paid directly to the airline and accompanied by an official receipt. “No payment should ever be made to any individual officer or staff member,” the release stated.

Passengers are being urged to immediately report any suspected acts of bribery or corruption to the nearest police station, CJIA Security, or via: Email: cjiac@cjairport-gy.com, Phone: +592 699-9074.

Meanwhile, the airport highlighted the ongoing effectiveness of its Security Unit, which between January and September 2025 successfully recovered and returned dozens of lost items to passengers, including: 80 laptops; 32 mobile phones; 106 pieces of luggage; 15 travel documents; 30 electronic devices and cash.

CJIA’s Public Relations Officer, Ms. Shunza Samuels, reaffirmed the airport’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, stating that integrity and accountability remain at the core of its operations.

“The success of this Unit is a direct reflection of the professionalism and integrity we uphold,” she said. “As we reaffirm our zero-tolerance stance on corruption, we remain focused on transparency, accountability, and service excellence in every aspect of our work.” The probe comes amid growing public concern over irregularities in baggage handling and passenger treatment at regional airports, with CJIA promising swift and decisive action once the investigation concludes.

The CJIA statement comes two weeks after the Guyana Police Force confirmed that several of its ranks stationed at the CJIA were under investigation for alleged extortion. According to reports, the officers were caught demanding money from a passenger in order to release her lawful items. In the statement police said that CCTV footage and other evidence have corroborated the allegation. “The officers involved have been placed under close arrest while the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) carries out a full investigation,” police said.

The statement further emphasised the force’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption. “To strengthen accountability and transparency, the Government of Guyana has ordered that from today, all law enforcement officers operating at ports of entry, whether at airports or other border points, will be required to wear body cameras.” The police stressed that any officer found guilty of extortion or bribery will face the full force of the law.  “The public is reminded that no payment of any kind is required to clear lawful items through CJIA or any other port. If anyone is asked for money, report it immediately to the nearest police authority,” police stated.

As a follow up on the matter Commissioner of Police and Chief Immigration Officer Mr. Clifton Hicken, along with Deputy Chief Immigration Officer (DCIO), Senior Superintendent Stephen Telford visited the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, where they met and interacted with immigration ranks. In a subsequent release the police said that the visit was in the wake of allegations that Police ranks at CJIA demanded money from a passenger in order to release her lawful items. The Government of Guyana has since instructed that all law enforcement officers operating at any port of entry, whether at airports or other border points, will be required to wear body cameras as a measure to enhance accountability and transparency.

The police force also said it is deeply concerned about the growing number of cases where persons attempt to “buy their way out” of lawful procedures by slipping officers money or so-called “tokens of appreciation.” “Offering a bribe is a criminal offence. Both the giver and the receiver are guilty under the law,” the GPF stressed, reminding the public that bribery erodes justice, weakens accountability, and destroys trust in law enforcement. The Force reaffirmed its “zero tolerance” stance on corruption, noting that internal mechanisms are in place to detect and deal with rogue cops. Any rank found accepting bribes will be prosecuted, while civilians who offer inducements will also be hauled before the courts. The statement urged citizens to report incidents of bribery via the Commissioner’s Secretariat hotlines.

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• body cameras, bribery, Cheddi Jagan Airport, CJIA, Immigration Officers, scandal

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