Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has announced that the government is actively considering investing in a commercial arm of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to help regulate domestic airfare and curb what it describes as exploitative pricing practices by private airlines operating in the country’s hinterland and remote regions.
Speaking at the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) Conference, Jagdeo addressed the persistent complaints from Indigenous leaders and residents about the soaring cost of air travel for both passengers and freight. He pointed out that every year, particularly around the NTC Conference, domestic airlines tend to hike their rates, making it increasingly difficult for villagers to afford essential travel and transport of goods.
Jagdeo revealed that the government has held discussions with airline operators about these price increases. However, if the industry does not self-regulate and offer more reasonable rates, the government is prepared to intervene directly by expanding the GDF’s fleet for commercial operations. “If they can’t be reasonable about these rates, then the government will invest in a commercial arm of the GDF to compete with them so that we can keep the freight rates down,” Jagdeo stated, adding that the administration may purchase four additional aircraft for this purpose in its next term.
The Vice President also highlighted the role of intermediaries, or “middlemen,” who often charter flights from airlines and then resell the seats or cargo space at inflated prices, further driving up costs for villagers. As an alternative, Jagdeo suggested that village councils themselves could charter flights and set fairer rates for their communities, bypassing private profiteers.
Beyond these immediate measures, Jagdeo outlined a broader strategy to improve hinterland connectivity and reduce transportation costs. This includes upgrading and expanding airstrips to accommodate larger aircraft, enabling more efficient movement of people and goods into remote areas. Billions of dollars have already been allocated in recent budgets to rehabilitate and maintain these critical air transport facilities.
The proposal to establish a commercial arm of the GDF reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to transportation for all Guyanese, especially those in Indigenous and interior communities. As consultations with airline operators and village leaders continue, the administration has made it clear that it will not hesitate to act if market abuses persist, aiming to guarantee fair pricing and reliable service for the nation’s most vulnerable populations.
