President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Sunday said his government’s intentions to upgrade the airstrip at Camp Jaguar in the New River Triangle area is meant to enhance support for Indigenous communities there.
“… we have Indigenous people in that community who require service.
“Right now the infrastructure to service them- to have food, and humanitarian aid go in there- is posing a tremendous challenge for the people living there,” President Ali told reporters at the sidelines of an event on Sunday.
Further, he noted that it currently takes about two weeks to get supplies into that area from New Amsterdam, the capital town in Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne).
So the President posited that it is crucial to upgrade infrastructure in the area.
“We always look at ensuring the infrastructure can support our humanitarian effort and the community life there,” he said.
Last week, as he commissioned the new Brigadier Gary Beaton Aerodrome, Eteringbang, President Ali said there would be upgrades at the Camp Jaguar Airstrip.
Following his announcement, Surinamese media reported that the Dutch-speaking country’s Foreign Minister, Albert Ramdin summoned Guyana’s Ambassador, Virjanand Depoo expressing concerns about the move.
This was so because Suriname claims the New River Triangle area though international maps recognise this as Guyana’s territory. And Ramdin reportedly said consultations are needed with the Surinamese government.
President Ali, however, said he spoke to Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhie and noted that it isn’t a military move. He stressed the government is focused on enhancing humanitarian support.
