Minister of Public Works and Communications, Mr. Anthony Xavier unveiled the sign at a ceremony Saturday afternoon.

Putting up the colourful and impressive structure took four months and the project was funded by the Demerara Tobacco Company (DEMTOCO).

The Government Information Agency (GINA) said the sign is a symbol of Guyanese hospitality, welcoming visitors in English, French, Spanish and Dutch.

"This welcome sign launched today is one that truly depicts the new thrust of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation, one that will be reflective of modernisation, while keeping the traditional Guyanese hospitality in the forefront," Xavier said.

The symbol was built as part of a continuing airport upgrading drive and depicts four Guyanese images and landmarks: the St. George's Cathedral, the Kaieteur Falls, wildlife feature and a Georgetown scenery.

Electro Signs of Trinidad erected the structure, while `D Signs', a local firm, supervised the project and applied the artwork, GINA said.

Landscaping and other physical achievements will be added soon to further improve the surroundings of the airport, the agency said.

Mr. Michael Harris, Country Manager of DEMTOCO, thanked those who worked hard on the venture and said the sign is one "every Guyanese can be proud of, as it was accomplished in just four months".

"It is with very great pride that we, the employees of DEMTOCO, are here this evening to present this frontier to the airport corporation and through them to the people of Guyana; and I hope that you love it as much as we do and get from it as much pride as we do," Harris said.

Noting that the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri has improved in several ways since its establishment, Xavier referred to the recently-installed threshold lights, adding that it was a project in keeping with the mandate given to the corporation to "develop and manage the business of the airport, including the development, maintenance and improvement of its facilities."

He alluded to a recent survey which showed that the ambience of an airport is the most important factor for incoming and outgoing passengers.

"This, along with several indicators such as landscaping, levels of service, facilities and ease of passage will all be addressed by the corporation," he added.

"We are on the move to ensure that the (airport) is transformed into one that Guyanese can be proud of and (that) international travellers will remember as a pleasant experience," he remarked.

According to GINA, there are plans for resurfacing the airport runway, installing new lights, upgrading the arrival area and viewing gallery, and enhancing the waiting area where guests are received.

Xavier thanked DEMTOCO for its contribution to the project.

Also at the launching was Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy.