New Paramakatoi airstrip to lift agriculture, tourism in Region Eight to new heights

The newly commissioned Paramakatoi airstrip is expected to spur agriculture and tourism in Region Eight, as the government works to improve connectivity and economic opportunities in remote communities.
The 2,500-foot-long, 50-foot-wide concrete runway, built at a cost of approximately $799.7 million, replaces a former laterite strip, providing safer and more reliable conditions for aircraft. Authorities plan to bring in specialists to develop a plan to commercialise high-value crops in Kato and Paramakatoi within three months, focusing on youth and women.
On tourism, the government plans to support development in the region through the Guyana Development Bank, which is set to come on stream this year.
Speaking at the commissioning, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali also noted that airlines often cite poor airstrip conditions as a key factor driving high operating and maintenance costs and challenged operators to adjust fares.
“We are giving them enough time to adjust their cost,” President Ali said, adding that, “Because we will not just sit by and not allow the benefit of these cost savings to be transferred to the people.”
Over 50 local residents were employed during construction, and additional road upgrades bring total investment in the village to about $1.4 billion. The airstrip also improves medical evacuation capabilities and is part of a plan to upgrade eight more aerodromes in the region.