The Guyana Defence Force (GDF), working in partnership with the Ministry of Public Works (MoPW) and other national agencies, has successfully completed the long-awaited extension of the Kaieteur National Park airstrip , an achievement that marks a turning point for tourism access, hinterland connectivity, and national security. The project began on August 30, 2022, under the directive of the Commander-in-Chief, as part of a wider programme to rehabilitate and extend airstrips across Guyana.
At the official dedication, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali described the upgraded facility as “a vital gateway to one of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world,” commending the dedication and endurance of the men and women in uniform who made it possible. He emphasised that this was the first major extension since the airstrip’s construction in the 1940s and highlighted its benefits of greater safety, improved flight reliability, and expanded opportunities for surrounding communities.
Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, reinforced the President’s message, noting that the new 3,000-foot runway can now accommodate a wider range of aircraft, improving operational efficiency and reducing transportation costs. He pointed to the “seamless coordination” between the GDF, MoPW, and other partners, saying the project stands as a model for effective interagency collaboration in service to national development.
From the Force’s perspective, the project holds both strategic and symbolic significance. Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, explained that the extension directly advances two of the GDF’s core roles: enhancing national security and contributing to economic development. He observed that “perhaps at no other time in our history have we been involved in so many projects of such volume, frequency, and cost,” underscoring the expanding role of the military in Guyana’s infrastructure development.
In keeping with the commemorative plaque unveiled at the ceremony, Brigadier Khan paid special tribute to the late Brigadier Gary Beaton (Project Engineer, GDF) and the late Mr. Dionne Amsterdam (Senior Engineer, MoPW), whose early involvement and unwavering commitment were instrumental in setting the project on course. Their collaboration embodied the spirit of unity that defined this achievement.
The scale of the effort was equally remarkable. Over the course of three years, more than 120 officers and ranks from the 4 Engineer Battalion, the Guyana National Reserve, and the Air Corps worked alongside other supporting units, private contractors, and suppliers. Operating in the challenging environment of Kaieteur, with its rocky terrain, harsh weather, and limited logistical access, demanded not only technical skill but also resilience and adaptability. Many of the personnel had honed these qualities during overseas disaster relief missions in Grenada, St. Vincent, and the Grenadines, and they brought that experience to bear on the ground in Guyana.
Recognising the extraordinary effort, Brigadier Khan announced that, in accordance with the Commander-in-Chief’s directive, medals will be awarded to all personnel who contributed to this and other national projects as part of the GDF’s anniversary celebrations in November.
For the Guyana Defence Force, the Kaieteur airstrip extension is more than an engineering success. It is a symbol of what can be accomplished when military expertise, national vision, and interagency cooperation converge, a commitment to continue building infrastructure that strengthens Guyana’s security, connects its people, and showcases its most treasured natural wonders to the world.
