President David Granger in his weekly television programme “Public Interest” has slammed aircraft operators for the delay in renaming the Ogle International Airport (OIA), describing the behaviour of those operators as “small minded”.
However, in responding, Executive Director of Roraima Airways Gerry Gouveia lashed back saying he is baffled by the President’s insistence and determination to rename the airport against the wishes of the majority.
A few months ago, the president suggested the idea of renaming the airport as Eugene Correia International Airport but this did not go down well with some of the private aircraft owners who objected to the proposal.
These include Air Services Limited, and Roraima Airways, who were more concerned with mending some of the issues plaguing the airport and to holistically develop Guyana’s aviation sector.
At that time, President of the National Air Transport Association (NATA) Annette Arjoon had stated that despite tremendous contributions to Guyana’s growth over the years, the aviation sector has not seen the development and representation that it needs to propel it forward.
Correia Group of Companies is not a member NATA but according to Vice President Gerry Gouveia, this was due to the fact that the group was “refused” a meeting with Michael Correria regarding the issues affecting operators at the Airport.
However, the Head of State made the proposal on the basis that Eugene Correia would have contributed enormously to Guyana while he was alive. Although dead more than 50 year ago, his career was described as stellar since he was minister of communications responsible for aviation, a pilot, and also the recipient of a national award.
The president noted that after he proposed the name change, he listened to the criticisms and would have met with a few people who objected. “As I said, I continue to be disappointed that they would put personality before nationality… it is my view that is a national interest that the airport is being named after a son of the soil who has done a lot”.
However, the recent comments by the president have prompted a reaction from executive director of Roraima Airways Gerry Gouviea, who took to his Facebook page to express views on the issue.
“The President is insulting the intelligence of the Majority of the Aircraft operators. I am baffled by his insistence and determination to rename the airport against the wishes of the majority,” the businessman stated.
He went on to say it is obvious the President is oblivious to the enormous advantages and value of branding in the world of business. He also vented concerns with the words “small mindedness” used by the president during his television programme.
Piss off Gerry! Since when operators are responsible for naming airports?
Name change is not that important at this present time. I have recently used that airport and thete are other important issues to br addressed . I could not even get a cup of coffee or a phone card to buy.
granger does not care for the views of the public he does as he pleases!
Renaming the Ogle airport should not be held to ransom by the infighting of the airports Board members.
I think the Fitt family did far more for aviation than most people in Guyana.
Victor Fitt was a pioneer in the development of aviation in Guyana, including the successful search for a killer, that terrorised Guyanese. The first time an aircraft was used by the Police in aerial reconnaissance.
He actually built a light aircraft and flew it successfully. His brother Henry was a well known pilot, who perished while flying over the jungle terrain of Guyana. His two sons both became Captains in recognised airlines. One of them being a senior captain, flying several types of multi engined jet aircraft. Both of them flew in Guyana first.
Now this is non political, true aviation oriented family, that deserves the honour of the Ogle airport being renamed: The Victor Fitt International Airport.
Military style dictatorship,no democracy
The man is a buffoon–what do you expect –a dictator in the true meaning of the word-welcome to the club captain–
Gouveia “baffled” at President’s insistence on renaming Ogle Airport …against the wishes of majority
Gouveia boy PNC has no more use for you –you did a job well done in flying out Rodknee assassin and PNC done thanked you so what more do you need?
Guyana- you and all Guyanese residing in Guyana at present are owned by PNC and not one of you dont know it as yet.PNC will change names of all things in the past that dont have PNC foot and hand print and none dare do a thing about it. PNC will paint most everything in Guyana green and yellow and might even demand that all Guyanese paint their houses that they called homes yellow and green.So dont be baffled since you of all people knows PNC inside out on their dictating to nation.