BWIA has cancelled all US and Canadian bound flights following yesterday's terrorist attacks in the US and those that departed the Caribbean yesterday morning were returned to BWIA's Caribbean bases.

A release from the airline yesterday said that this was as a result of the closure of all airports in the United States and Canada by the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and in the interest of the safety of its passengers.

The airports were closed following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in the US. The release from the airline said that all of BWIA's US and Caribbean-bound services for yesterday were cancelled until the situation was rescinded by the FAA.

However, until further notice services to other destinations will continue to operate as scheduled.

Meanwhile, the scheduled North American Airlines flight NAA92, which left for JFK in New York yesterday morning was forced to return to Georgetown.

A press release stated that the plane turned around when it was in Puerto Rican airspace and landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri at around 12:15.

The aircraft is on the ground at the airport and will depart as soon as the situation in New York permits. Passengers were asked to keep in touch with NAA's office. (Back to top)

US embassy staff saddened by terror attacks

Ambassador of the United States to Guyana, Ronald Godard and his colleagues at the United States Embassy are shocked and saddened by the series of heinous events that occurred in the US yesterday.

A press release from the embassy stated that the ambassador and his colleagues were in horror and unable to comprehend the deliberate and wanton destruction of so many lives.

The ambassador expressed gratitude to the Guyanese citizens and others who have commiserated with them.

The release stated that the ambassador shared the concern for the welfare of the friends and family of Guyanese citizens living in the United States, especially those in New York. The release further stated that terrorism has been and will remain one of the gravest threats to the security of all, but, the United States and its many friends must and will persevere despite the grievous setback that they have suffered. (Back to top)

Guyana expresses sympathy to US

The Government of Guyana is horrified and deeply regrets the senseless acts of terrorism that have resulted in the destruction of major buildings in New York city and elsewhere in the US.

A press release from the Office of the President said that, on behalf of the government and people of Guyana, President Bharrat Jagdeo, in a letter to US President George W. Bush, extended sympathy and solidarity to all Americans in this tragic hour and expressed the hope that public safety will be restored.

The release said that the President conveyed his sincere concern and condolences to the bereaved families of those who lost their lives as a result of this deplorable disaster.