Guyana Chronicle
May 18, 2001

PERMANENT Secretary in the Ministry of Fisheries, Crops and Livestock, Mr Bhowan Balkarran confirmed Tuesday that small exporters will experience more problems with the suspension of GA 2000 flights.

Reacting to the observation by the businessmen directly involved, he said the issue has been brought to the attention of the Ministry.

Previously, there were complaints about cargo being left back because of the unavailability of space on some aircraft and the Ministry is looking into the difficulties.

Balkarran said Government had alerted New Guyana Corporation to the situation and expected an investigation.

GA 2000 announced Monday that operations have been suspended pending a deal to continue leasing the B-757 jet from an Australian company.

One of the exporters told the Chronicle that, in the past, BWIA left back cargo despite confirmed bookings but that ceased to happen when GA 2000 restarted flying an Airbus.

However, the improvement did not last long because the airline was forced to use a smaller plane.

The spokesman said they got relief as GA 2000 leased the large jet which took a lot, leaving only a little to be carried by BWIA.

Then GA 2000 ran into trouble and resumed use of the smaller carrier, causing them trouble again, he explained, noting that Government is urging increased exports.

"...something has to be done. We cannot continue like this. Large exporters can afford to pack a container and ship it but we, the small exporters, have to depend on the airlines," the businessman pointed out.