The upgraded facility is expected to serve more than 1,200 residents, significantly improving access to essential services and economic opportunities.

The head of state delivering the feature address at the commissioning of the Karasabai airstrip

For decades, the community relied on an earthen airstrip that became unusable during rainfall and at night, often forcing flight cancellations and delaying emergency medical evacuations.

“Just over 70 days ago, if the weather changed, pilots had to rush to leave or risk being stranded. Today, aircraft can land here at full capacity, day or night,” the President noted during his address.

The new airstrip, designed to last up to 30 years, features a rigid concrete surface eight inches thick, stretching 3,000 feet long and 50 feet wide, with a strength of 5,000 pounds per square inch (PSI).

Additionally, approximately 50 navigational lights have been installed. It enables safe night-time landings and take-offs, particularly critical during medical emergencies.

With the upgraded infrastructure, medevac aircraft can now access Karasabai directly at any time. This eliminates the need for lengthy travel to Lethem during urgent situations.

“Day or night, a medevac can land here and take patients to where they need care. This is what development looks like,” President Ali emphasised.

The project also delivered immediate economic benefits, employing about 60 residents during its construction phase.

Further enhancing the facility, a modern passenger terminal, modelled after the one in Aishalton was donated by International Import and Supplies.

It offers a more comfortable and efficient space for travellers.

Beyond transportation, the airstrip is expected to play a key role in advancing agriculture and business in the region.

The government is already working with stakeholders to expand production of crops. This includes peanuts, ginger, cassava and coffee, supported by investments in storage and transportation.

The Karasabai project forms part of a wider hinterland development strategy, with similar airstrips already completed in Aishalton and Paramakatoi.

These investments are aimed at bridging the gap between hinterland and coastland communities.

“This is not a standalone investment. It is part of a holistic plan to bring prosperity to every region of Guyana,” President Ali said.

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His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali highlighted the importance of the project in improving access and opportunity for residents of the Rupununi. He noted that the airstrip, delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Public Works’ Special Projects Unit and the Aishalton Village Council, has generated employment and skills training for more than 60 local residents, while significantly enhancing the movement of people, goods, and essential services.

The Aishalton Airstrip represents a critical upgrade from previous conditions, providing a durable, all-weather aviation facility that supports safer and more reliable aircraft operations. The improved infrastructure is expected to play a vital role in emergency medical access, supply chains, security operations, and economic activity. Plans are also in place for the construction of a modern terminal, further strengthening the facility’s long-term impact.

International Import and Supplies is proud to have executed this project under contract with the Government of Guyana. The company worked closely with government agencies and the local community to deliver a high-quality airstrip built to modern engineering and safety standards, while ensuring community participation remained a central component of the project’s success.

The President emphasized that the new airstrip will improve access to healthcare, reduce the cost of living, expand market opportunities, and unlock new avenues for economic growth in the region—outcomes that align directly with the Government’s national development agenda.

The successful commissioning of the Aishalton Airstrip underscores the value of strong public-private partnerships and community involvement in delivering critical infrastructure. For International Import and Supplies, the project reflects its continued commitment to supporting Guyana’s development through reliable, sustainable, and impactful civil construction works.

The new 2,500-foot rigid concrete airstrip at Aishalton, Region Nine has been officially commissioned, marking another major milestone in the Government of Guyana’s commitment to strengthening connectivity and accelerating development in hinterland communities.

His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali highlighted the importance of the project in improving access and opportunity for residents of the Rupununi. He noted that the airstrip, delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Public Works’ Special Projects Unit and the Aishalton Village Council, has generated employment and skills training for more than 60 local residents, while significantly enhancing the movement of people, goods, and essential services.

The Aishalton Airstrip represents a critical upgrade from previous conditions, providing a durable, all-weather aviation facility that supports safer and more reliable aircraft operations. The improved infrastructure is expected to play a vital role in emergency medical access, supply chains, security operations, and economic activity. Plans are also in place for the construction of a modern terminal, further strengthening the facility’s long-term impact.

International Import and Supplies is proud to have executed this project under contract with the Government of Guyana. The company worked closely with government agencies and the local community to deliver a high-quality airstrip built to modern engineering and safety standards, while ensuring community participation remained a central component of the project’s success.

The President emphasized that the new airstrip will improve access to healthcare, reduce the cost of living, expand market opportunities, and unlock new avenues for economic growth in the region—outcomes that align directly with the Government’s national development agenda.

The successful commissioning of the Aishalton Airstrip underscores the value of strong public-private partnerships and community involvement in delivering critical infrastructure. For International Import and Supplies, the project reflects its continued commitment to supporting Guyana’s development through reliable, sustainable, and impactful civil construction works.

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(Kaieteur News) – President Irfaan Ali on Monday joined residents of Paramakatoi Village and neighbouring communities in Region Eight to officially commission the newly upgraded $800 million airstrip.

The airstrip which measures some 2,500 feet long and 50 feet wide, was upgraded to rigid pavement concrete by International Import & Supplies, who was awarded the contract back in 2024.

Addressing the commissioning ceremony, President Ali stated that the reconstructed and expanded airstrip is a bridge from isolation to opportunity. “A bridge from quiet potential to real progress, this airstrip will set the people of Paramakatoi and the people of Region Eight on a new trajectory,” he said.

Noting the importance of reliable air connectivity for Paramakatoi, the president said it means that more planes could land more often, families could stay connected, medical evacuations are “no longer a gamble with destiny” and fresh goods, construction material, and learning supplies could be taken in and out of the community.

The head of state noted that the new airstrip will open more ecotourism opportunities for the community. “The world is changing; more and more travelers seek experiences and immerse them in nature without destroying it. They want authentic cultural encounters. They want trails, less travel, wildlife unseen, streams untouched and biodiversity never before seen. They want sustainability, not exploitation and Paramaktoi has all of that and more,” he declared.

He continued, “But to turn this potential into real economic benefit for our people, we must first overcome the logistical barriers that have held us back. So, what does this new airstrip mean from the economic potential of this area.  It means larger aircraft can bring more visitors, more regularly. You can land at any time. It means store operators can plan year-round itineraries. It means local entrepreneurs can build eco lodges, craft markets, cultural centers, all anchored in a dependable transportation link. It means jobs, it means income. It means prosperity rooted in the preservation of nature, not its depletion.”

The president added that the upgraded airstrip makes possible greater inclusion and improved goods and services and better cost. He disclosed that with improved air access, the airstrip therefore ensures that the people of Paramakatoi are no longer punished by geography, but empowered by connectivity.

Emphasising on the cost spent to build and maintain an airstrip in such a remote place, he stated that his government invested because “every community, no matter how remote, deserve access to the lifeblood of connectivity and commerce. We invest because no community should be left behind in our national journey.”

He added that this airstrip is part of a broader vision that fits within a strategic plan to “transform Guyana’s hinterland into vibrant contributors to our national story, without sacrificing the very qualities that make the hinterland so unique.”

During his address, the president noted the hefty cost persons pay to travel to and from the community. He said air services would complain of the state of the airstrip.

Now with an improved runway, the president added, “Today you have a brand-new airstrip. Let us see what you will now say. And we are giving them enough time, to adjust their cost because we will not just sit by, and not allow the benefit of these cost savings to be transferred to the people… and we will know which one of the services will announce the reduction of the cost to come to Paramakatoi.”

Speaking also, was Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar who noted that the airstrip has an economic life span of 20 years once properly maintained.

“A few months ago, if you could have fly with a plane here the laterite surface would have given you a not so smooth landing. In fact, a better word a rough landing, that is what we have been accustom to decades before, but now you have a concrete surface airstrip,” he said in his remarks.

According to the minister, works are underway to upgrade aerodromes across regions in the country and in Region Eight alone, they plan to upgrade eight aerodrome in communities like, Mahdia, Monkey Mountain, Kato, Orinduik and Chenapou.

Addressing the gathering also were Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill and Minister of Amerindian Affairs, and Sarah Browne, who noted that the new airstrip will bring great benefits, reduce cost of living, expand the tourism potential of the village and ensure speeder delivery of goods and services.

Minister Edghill noted that the runway now has the capability through the use of solar lights to guide flights in at nights.

Minister Browne noted that this investment which will directly improve the lives of over 1,324 residents of Paramakatoi Village, and by extension all the residents of sub district one Region Eight, represents connection opportunities, and that Amerindian people and their villages are not left behind simply because of geography or distance.

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The remote community, which has no road access, relies heavily on the airstrip as its primary connection to the rest of the country for critical medical, agricultural, and other supplies.

The upgrade is expected to enhance transportation services, improve tourism and commerce, and strengthen connectivity for communities across the region.

Additionally, Joe Jagmohan, Managing Director of International Import and Supplies, made a substantial donation to the community on Wednesday.

Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar facilitated the handing over of a range of machinery and equipment totaling $160,000,000 during his visit to inspect the rehabilitation works.

The residents received four excavators, one roller, two jackhammers, one asphalt kettle, one tractor-tiller, and two plate compactors, aimed at supporting the community’s livelihoods, which forms part of the government’s continued commitment to supporting development in hinterland communities.

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