My review of the renovations at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport

[@Sharon-hn9wn]

Raphael, I do appreciate your interest in keeping everyone up to date with all that's happening with the old and new infrastructure in Georgetown. Your dedication is admirable. Thank you.

[@Bronxguyanese]

Guyana still needs a long way to go. For one jagan airport is far from Georgetown deep within the outskirts of the Amazon. Jagan airport needs to be converted back to a military station and the airport in goergetown Eugene Corriea needs to be turned and converted into a hub. If anything Jagan can be used for a hub for parts of Guyana and can be used for flights for immediate areas of South America like northern brasil manaus , Suriname, Caracas in Venezuela and charter flights to Caribbean periffery can reach Trinidad and Barbados. Short range flights. If it was me and if I had the money, I would have a fleet of helicopters and small propeller planes that offer shuttle service from Corriea Airport to Jagan international which cut can commute times from an hour to a ten minutes. Especially for the wealthy venturing into guayana. Last jagan airport can still be worth if if Linden develops aswell making the jagan airport halfway point between Georgetown and Linden. That's my two cents.

[@christophernelson8011]

Raph looking sharp! I'm leaving Guyana tomorrow, so I hope to get a chance to see some of the improvements you've posted in previous videos. Upon my arrival, I was already familiar with all of the newly built highways around Georgetown & the outskirts of the city, all thanks to your videos. I hear a lot of people saying that Guyana is the new Dubai of the West, for now I think that Guyana should strive to be like islands such as St. Maarten & even the Bahamas (in terms of development). I love my country, but it has a long way to go before its anywhere close to Dubai.

[@RaphaelNation]

Glad that you made it.

[@MrDayna39]

Good update, however, Guyana might have one of the fastest growing economies but most of that money is leaving the country in the pockets of the oil companies, foreign investors and maybe some of the politicians. Hopefully, the country can start benefitting more from its resources soon.

[@riannappleapple2958]

You are right. Also building a patchwork building of an old building is by far the most expensive option. Just build a new one. It's more efficient.

[@chrisboncamper4282]

I think if one is to save the present architecture of the airport, then the only cohesive architectural design is the roof. The roof has to be one creative statement that would tie the entire structure together.

[@josephwinslow7613]

Outside, the entrance to the departure area at airport has public bathrooms for public. You don’t have to go inside.

[@nandkishorerai6649]

@@josephwinslow7613 correct

[@errolfrancis5467]

Thanks for this wonderful video

[@josephwinslow7613]

The APNU are ones to blame for this debacle of the CJIA renovation project. David Patterson and the APNU government with their smart ideas cutting down and back on the project. Building 4 bridges instead of the 8 bridges that was part of the original project. Cutting back on the total footprint of work needed to be done to build us a beautiful airport in Guyana. It is an unfortunate.

[@RaphaelNation]

This is not a blame game. Guyana now has oil money to build proper infrastructure. And David Patterson is the only minister of public works who has an engineering degree. The current minister is a church bishop, a clergyman.

[@Sherrylee50]

Raphael you are Absolutely Right💯

[@joelsugrim3941]

We can’t compare to 1st world airport as yet, but in due time. Eventually we will get there .

[@nevertrustsonofman.kingjam5233]

Nice job Raffy ❤❤❤.

[@MJYoutubers]

The previous government had scraped the idea of constructing a brand new airport building and decided to refurbish the old one instead, I firmly believe that it contributes to the lack of cohesiveness considering the current government had implemented an extension for the 2 additional jet bridges that were needed and the result was shoddy looking with a non-cohesive boarding and arrival corridor considering the long walk needed to access those 2 jet bridges. There was a memorandum of understanding less than a year ago with the punta cana group about the construction of a new terminal building at the CJIA. If they do end up doing so, the airport might become increasingly cohesive.

[@RaphaelNation]

The previous government did not have oil money. I explained how infrastructure is built and paid for in the previous video on the bridge construction. Please watch that video to understand how infrastructure such as airports and bridges are built and paid for. I also recommend a book that describes how New York infrastructure including JFK airport was built and paid for. It’s entitled, The power broker by Robert A Caro.

[@MJYoutubers]

⁠​⁠@@RaphaelNation​​⁠ I had watched your video on the construction of the new Demerara Harbour Bridge more than a week ago, if I recall correctly, you mentioned the effectiveness of taking out loans for these projects rather than using reserved funding. Keep in mind that CHEC had requested an additional 47 million USD which would have surpassed the original airport budget for the construction of a new terminal, that’s why a decision had been made by Patterson to refurbish and downsize its scope instead so that the 47 million can be cut down to 24 million. After interpreting your statements I’ve came to the conclusion that even without oil money, the previous government could have taken out a loan of 23 million USD to complete this important infrastructure project to the fullest. A plan could’ve been fabricated to pay back the loans acquired for the excess funds such as the CJIA increasing landing and cargo fees. And I appreciate the book recommendation, I’ll be looking into it.

[@clairehartman481]

@@RaphaelNation The previous government SIGNED that lopsided contract KNOWING so much of our infrastructure was lacking/deteriorated. They signed that contract WITHOUT waiting to see what the predicted reserves were even though that report was due in shortly. That airport was not what this present government had envisaged and planned BEFORE it was ousted from office in 2015. They too at that time did not have oil money. That plan was shelved by PATTERSON. Now you are going to tell me Ive got it all wrong. 😃 Btw, i just noticed you said in another of your videos that the Stabroek Oil contract is a very good one. It could have been A LOT BETTER though had those that signed it been thinking of the commonwealth and not their own pockets. It may seem a lot of money but Guyana is so far behind it will be a lot of years before Guyanese see any real benefit.

[@lenoxbobb4801]

As I understand Guyana was supposed to have anew airport consequent on the contract signed .However either a change of government in 2015 it appears that changes were made to utilize the existing buildings instead of constricteing a new one .On the return to office in 2020 the government tried to correct these shortcomings by adding components hence the sad state of affairs

[@RaphaelNation]

I live in Guyana. I can tell you that mediocrity is the norm. That is the reason when the mediocre airport exists.

[@marklawson9326]

As I recalled. When the Granger administration was in power. Mr.Jagdeo said that during his time in office. Monies were bugged for brand new terminal. However, vision less Mr.Granger and David Patterson decided to scale back the project and ended up with that hodgepodge terminal. That David Patterson was the worse guy as minister of infrastructure. This is the same minister who wanted a three lane bridge with opening span across the Demerara River. How much more vision less can you get than that minister in the previous government!

[@RaphaelNation]

Granger did not have oil money. Now jagdeo has oil money. There is no excuse for this mediocrity.

[@traderboi2662]

@@RaphaelNation btw, most of the “oil money” is still under the sea, and most of the profits in Exxon’s pockets thanks to messrs. Trotman, Patterson and Hughes with Grainger claiming plausible deniability! The three stooges and the 🤡 in chief! 😂

[@seanbennett1195]

Totally agree with u my brother 😢 don't know when Guyana will get it together.

[@nandkishorerai6649]

@@seanbennett1195 if you don't live in Guyana you would not see development & construction that is taking place. Anybody that have money abroad Guyana 🇬🇾 is place to invest. Don listen to fool who walk around with gopro or cell phone making videos taking crap. those who talk nonsense & condemned what government is doing don't have future.

[@MelNurse-l4n]

Yes, the original project was scaled back so that the airport was renovated rather than a new one built from the ground up. However, I do not think it is a total loss. We now have the chance to make the interior decorations unique with, furniture, murals and lighting that reflects Afro, Indo, Amerindian cultures. In my opinion, that will resonate better with travelers rather than another ‘modern’ styled airport. The appeal, I think, should be our culture. We have enough talented Guyanese to make it spectacular. Just my opinion - thinking outside the box.

[@RaphaelNation]

The problem is the volume of traffic that will pass through this airport will continue to increase. It will become a source of frustration for travelers is we do not have a modern efficient airport. We must build for the future not for the past. Think bigger.

[@MelNurse-l4n]

I want a brand new building also. Just was thinking outside the box seeing that we are not going to get a completely new structure any time soon. Just don’t think that efficiency and a unique interior are mutually exclusive.

[@RaphaelNation]

@@MelNurse-l4n this would be a good time to build a Terminal 2 such as already exists at other airports like JFK and Pearson.

[@MelNurse-l4n]

Agreed.

[@AnanHardeo]

The previous government scrap the new terminal building, which suppose to be modern . However the government is trying to fix it and luckily two more bridge is install . In addition , we are hearing about a next terminal building which will he modern and thanks for this current government

[@RaphaelNation]

This is a problem of a lack of vision by all politicians not any one political party.

[@jasonjoaquin3069]

100% agree with you on this

[@nandkishorerai6649]

@@jasonjoaquin3069 we could have brand new terminal building with 8 airbridges with all modern things but we have say thank to apnu/afc government to cut projects just because want to fill there pockets with money.

[@jason3528]

Correct but everything takes time and Singapore changi is way more ahead than us and it is a world class airport too But yeah they need to do more and i guess they just building base on the amount of pax that come and go

[@RaphaelNation]

Airports are built with international loans and revenue bonds issued for bank financing. No country builds airports from tax revenue. It is an investment in the economy and the loan is paid back with economic growth. I explained this in the video on how bridges are built and paid for.

[@jason3528]

@@RaphaelNation pax is short for passengers. Sorry .. and I understand what you're saying We just need to wait and see what the future hold and I would love to see it whenever I visit Guyana again

[@koolops0]

I concur that the existing airport is quite distant from the standards of a modern airport.

[@q4od]

Well said! The PPP sucks. 🤨

[@quincytrotman2002]

Correct a brand new modern well designed airport is needed this airport is like the nursery rhyme the house that jack built

[@traderboi2662]

Maybe you can do a feasibility study for APNU. 😂😂

[@trickydicky90]

More tourists visit Machu Picchu in a day than visit Guyana in a year. So that startling fact alone kind of sets the budget to how much to spend on the airport. If anything it's probably over budgeted for its purpose, but I suppose the current government are planning for future population expansion and usage numbers.

[@RaphaelNation]

Think about the future and projected growth of arrivals and not the past or present. That is what we must build and plan for given the current economic growth rate.

[@puirYorick]

Airports, like subway lines and other mass transit systems, need to be built for FUTURE projected need instead of past or current usage. This is always the shortfall in thinking and lack of foresight that prevents proper infrastructure. Countless projects around the globe are scaled back or cancelled because the budgetary allotments are jeered by opposing political forces as an easy target for criticism. I once lived outside a subdivision where the daily commute into the city core was hampered by a busy level crossing of a major railway marshalling yard. A massive expenditure was set aside for a multi-year construction project to take the busy roadway below that rail line. It has been successfully completed and works beautifully but it *looks* completely unspectacular for the amount it cost. The majority of the funding was needed for the proper engineering of flood water drainage which the commuting public never views BECAUSE it just functions perfectly and was constructed out of sight far below ground level. The visible underpass looks like nothing special but, unlike those I've seen elsewhere that flood and even kill drivers who become trapped, this one never floods or has any lanes submerged. It needed to be perfect because the railway operator had overriding dominion over the span of land and their rail traffic wasn't allowed to be placed at risk. Frequent opposition grumblings over the huge budget posted on signage as required by law during construction were correctly set aside in the interest of the greater public good. Other politicians may lack similar courage.

[@waynetrotman2218]

Positive talk

[@nandkishorerai6649]

blame Apnu/Afc for cut cjia international airport. ppp was building new terminal building with 8 airbridges. this old terminal was to be used as cargo section but apnu changed contract

[@RaphaelNation]

Listen carefully. All of that is nonsense and lies. We must build airports that are modern and meet international standards in the 21st century. This government has oil money. There is no excuse for this mediocrity.

[@nandkishorerai6649]

@@RaphaelNation which world you living. check Google.

[@nandkishorerai6649]

@@RaphaelNation fact you are doing good videos but most time you misleading people with wrong information.

[@RaphaelNation]

Please cite your sources or evidence against which you find my videos to be false. It’s easy to talk nonsense it’s more difficult to prove that you are correct. This is a channel for intelligent people. I have a doctorate in science. I expect you to make sense on this channel.

[@nandkishorerai6649]

​@@RaphaelNationmany time you taking nonsense in your videos I just got to lol. having dr in science don't make you educated you just learn skill. there lots of with all kinds dr still crack😅😂

[@noszel]

I keep saying it that the design of these buildings are crap and everything seem to be "state of the art".

[@randypaul8752]

You are dressed like you are about to audition for a back up dancer for the Guyanese Backstreet Boys.. Da Backstreet Bai's

[@alistairwharton1559]

😅😅😂😂

[@juliusmcbean1611]

PNC mess that that project. So sad. Guyana 🇬🇾 should have a brand new airport. Too much damn politics

[@RaphaelNation]

That doesn’t make sense. The oil money is only now available since 2020 after the pnc left office. Please watch the video I made recently on how bridges and infrastructure is built and paid for.

[@Bantu-King]

Mediocre thinking will produce mediocre results.