Source: Guyana Chronicle
THE opportunities for connectivity and trade between Guyana and the Dominican Republic have now increased as the inaugural direct flight from Santo Domingo landed on Sunday at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
The airline which was founded in 2012 and has its hub in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, is set to operate three flights weekly on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday and brings additional connectivity between Guyana, the Caribbean, Latin America and the United States.
Delivering remarks at a ceremony to mark the significance of the occasion, Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, said that it was just the beginning.
He indicated that the government would like to see a lasting and fruitful relationship with the Dominican Republic with the possibility for growth and expansion.
He added, “When we decided as a government to grant approval for this airline to operate, it was after our consideration as it relates to its scope, where they are coming from and the possibilities that exist from that destination to Guyana and the connectivity it provides.”
Further to this, he said that the government was doing things in a coordinated way to open the country and boost trade, connectivity and tourism.
Whenever new airlines come to Guyana, he said, they allow for great expansion and engagement.
He further said that the government was not just talking about building a strong tourism industry but was taking the right steps.
That he said brings more options to the market which makes life better and with the over 20 destinations the airline services.
Meanwhile, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Guyana, Ernesto Torres-Pereyra told those gathered that the dream of having a direct connection between Santo Domingo and Georgetown was long in the making.
He said that, not long ago, the exchange between the two countries was limited to minor business initiatives. The interactions were relatively limited.
“This direct flight is going to change the game completely. With this flight, citizens from all over the world will have the opportunity to engage, to connect, to develop synergies with Guyanese citizens at all levels,” he said.
Added to this, the ambassador noted that it will also allow business communities from all over the world to realise the amazing opportunities that the Dominican Republic has been able to identify in Guyana as well.
He went on to note that they were certain that it was the start of a stable and productive route.
Further to this, the Commercial manager at Sky Cana, Victor Nina, expressed gratitude to President Dr Irfaan Ali for his vision to improve connectivity between the two countries and opening new opportunities to share cultures and to embark on the commercial development of the two nations.
Since 2020, several other airlines have entered the Guyana market. The Government of Guyana is currently in talks with others which are interested in operating here.