GCCI welcomes British Airways but calls for removal of UK visa requirement
The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) said it welcomes the decision by British Airways (BA) to commence operations between Guyana and the United Kingdom (UK).
In a statement on Thursday, the GCCI said the decision comes at a time when Guyana has become the largest trading partner in the Caribbean with the UK.
“This deepened relation, driven largely by enterprise, demonstrates the strengthening of the Guyanese economy,” the GCCI said while calling for the removal of the visa requirement that exists for Guyanese who wish to travel to the UK.
“The GCCI is of the view that the removal of this requirement will auger well for continued deepening of economic relations between the countries and foster private sector development in both territories,” the statement added.
In light of this, the Chamber noted that it would make formal representation to the Guyana and UK governments with a view of urging the respective leaders to examine the removal of the visa requirement.
On Wednesday, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill announced that UK’s flag carrier, British Airways, will commence direct flights to and from Guyana, starting March 2023, with tickets going on sale from yesterday.
The airline will use a Boeing 777 200ER aircraft with a capacity to transport 332 passengers.
