Scanners for self-declarations part of upgrades for CJIA – President

Scanners that will allow travellers to self-declare at customs checkpoints will soon be installed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), a move Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, says will make the facility more efficient.

However, the President said the self-declaration system will carry strict penalties for anyone caught misusing it.

President Ali spoke about this initiative and other planned upgrades for the CJIA on Friday, hours after the News Room reported that the international airport was rated the best in the Caribbean for overall passenger experience and satisfaction.

The Head of State said the recognition was welcomed but not surprising, as his administration had been consistently investing in upgrades at the airport — including new upgraded passenger processing systems — to improve the traveller experience. Other upgrades include expanding the airport’s infrastructure.

He, however, emphasised that more work remains to be done to improve the facility continuously.

“We’re now investing in the latest digital scanners to put at customs… Everything will go through the scan, and there will be a three-strike system,” he said.

Under this system, anyone found to have made a false declaration for the first time will be fined. A second offence will result in a heavier fine, while a third will result in jail time.

Beyond these scanners, the President reminded citizens that his government is also investing in a second terminal at the CJIA. This terminal, he said, will give travelers an immersive view of the country as soon as they arrive.

President Ali also addressed concerns about access to the airport, assuring travellers that disruptions caused by ongoing construction along the East Bank Demerara corridor will soon be resolved. While the CJIA scored highly in the regional report cited by the News Room, the difficulty in reaching the airport was flagged.

“The area we scored the least on [in the report] that we are addressing is the time to access the airport, and that is because of the construction work. That is the pillar that brought down our score, and [that] will be taken care of,” President Ali said.