– highlights need to reduce airfare, enhance food production in PK
Paramakatoi, Guyana—(January 05, 2026) His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali underscored that every investment made by his Government must deliver direct benefits to all citizens of Guyana, regardless of geographical location.
He made the comment during the commissioning of the upgraded Paramakatoi airstrip, which is expected to amplify connectivity to the mountainous indigenous community of Region Eight.
He noted that the upgraded airstrip is designed to reduce costs and improve access. Against this backdrop, President Ali challenged aviation operators to ensure that these savings are passed on to residents, insisting that hinterland communities must no longer be punished by geography but afforded real opportunities.
The new facility, a 2,500-foot runway, 50 feet wide and paved with six inches of rigid concrete, is designed to reduce transportation costs for passengers and cargo between Paramakatoi and the coast.
Overall, President Ali reminded that his Government has invested close to $40 billion in Region Eight over the past five years, compared to less than $10 billion between 2015 and 2020. These investments, he explained, cannot be judged by narrow economic models alone. “If you look only at rate of return, you will never make these investments. But when you measure the social benefit and the economic opportunity they unlock, then you understand why they are critical.”
The President pointed to the new road link between Kato and Paramakatoi as a corridor for large-scale agriculture and explained that beyond traditional crops, high value produce can be cultivated.
He said that the potential of growing carrots, potatoes and onions in Paramakatoi is real and must be realised.
Within three months, the Ministry of Agriculture will deliver a full commercialisation plan, supported by specialists working directly with farmers, youth, and women.
“With technology of solar freezers and containerised solar cold storage, we can now have value creation on this product right here that reduces the cost of transport and increases the shelf life.”
Tourism was also placed firmly on the agenda, with President Ali announcing a drive to enhance the tourism potential of the region.
He described the Pakaraima Mountains as a natural asset for the “orange economy”, which blends eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and agro-tourism to create jobs while preserving the environment.
Through the Small Business Development Bank, residents will be able to access capital to build eco lodges, launch trekking services, and develop cultural markets.
“More and more travellers seek experiences that immerse them in nature without destroying it. They want authentic cultural encounters. They want trails less travelled, wildlife unseen, streams untouched and biodiversity never before seen. They want sustainability, not exploitation, and Paramakatoi has all of that and more but to turn this potential into real economic benefit for our people, we must first overcome the logistical barriers that have held us back.”
He said that the airstrip transcends transport and creates opportunities for real progress across the region.