Hinds lauds GA 2000 investors
The official launching of Guyana Airways (GA) 2000 and its inaugural flight to New York yesterday was described as a "small start," which translates to a big start in the airline business, by its Board Chairman, Yesu Persaud. Addressing a large gathering of invitees at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, yesterday, Persaud said that the airline business was risky business. However, he added, "if you don't take risks nothing happens." He stated that the group of Guyanese investors who held the controlling interest in GA 2000 had had no interference from the government in getting the business off the ground in spite of the many problems encountered along the way. And in brief remarks Prime Minister Sam Hinds congratulated those behind the venture. He was high in his praise for those who daringly invested their savings and future in the industry. The future of GA 2000's employees also hinges on their investment and the success of the industry, he noted. Wishing the company well on his behalf and on the government's, he added, "All Guyanese want you to be successful." Speaking about how the company got off the ground, Persaud noted that the paperwork and bureaucracy in streamlining the affairs of the company, including approval for landing in New York and Toronto had been among the problems. Reciprocity by the local authorities, allowing North American Airlines to land in Guyana, paved the way for GA 2000 to land in New York. Persaud expects approval to land in Toronto to be forthcoming in another few days. Noting that he wanted all Guyanese to be proud of the new national carrier, Persaud called on all present to travel with GA 2000. He also issued a public invitation to Managing Director of Roraima Airways, Captain Gerry Gouveia, to become involved with GA 2000 once more. Gouveia had initially indicated an interest in the consortium, but later opted out. Chief Executive Officer of GA 2000, Anthony Mekdeci, said that it was an enormous challenge to Guyanese entrepreneurs and administrators. He said that an Australian consultant, who is at present working along with GA 2000, had stated that it was a remarkable achievement and that in Australia "it takes two years, mate." He noted that the Australians from whom the aircraft was leased had commented favourably on the professionalism of the Guyanese staff. Mekdeci said that while there were several areas that had to be tackled, some six stood out in his memory--financing; negotiations and signing of the lease for the aircraft; refurbishing of the GA 2000 office, which was formerly the property of the state-owned Guyana Airways Corporation; hiring and training of staff; application for permission to land at the John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, USA and Lester Pearson Airport in Ontario, Canada; and the setting up of stations at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, JFK and Pearson. Mekdeci is of the view that the A300 is one of the best designed aircraft. The 278-seater airbus has 24 seats in the first class cabin. 
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