Government permits US Military aircraft for operation in Liberia to use
Cheddi Jagan Airport as in-transit - July 10, 2003

A United States military C-141 transport plane while in-transit today, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri.
July 10, 2003. Office of the President Photo

Several United States of America Military Aircraft in support of the US peace keeping/humanitarian operation in Liberia, West Africa are now using the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, as an in-transit base.
Information Liaison to the President Robert Persaud today confirmed that “Government of Guyana has granted permission to the United States of America to use the Cheddi Jagan International Airport as an in-transit base for aircraft which are intended to be a part of the US Army peace keeping/humanitarian force for Liberia.”
The Government official confirmed an Associated Press Report out of the United States that a request was made of the Guyana Government for the use of its international airport, which led to permission being granted. He informed the Government Information Agency (GINA) that a US Military C141 transport plane had landed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport on Wednesday evening and departed for the African continent this afternoon. Persaud, however, declined to elaborate on the stopover activities by and details on the US Military aircraft and personnel, referring further queries to the United States Embassy in Georgetown.
Guyana and the United States enjoy very close relations, a fact which was repeated by both parties at the recent US Independence Day reception hosted by the US Embassy in Georgetown.
The two countries have active cooperation arrangements, including those in the military and economic arenas.
Outgoing US Ambassador to Guyana Ronald Godard at the reception said “we have seen progress in relations between our two countries… we have seen notable advances in high level exchanges between Guyana and the United States.”
The Ambassador further remarked, President Bharrat Jagdeo has made three trips to Washington D.C., which have sought to enhance the relations between the two countries. For the first time a member of the US Cabinet, Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson visited Guyana. Two Senators also visited earlier this year, making them the first congressional delegation to visit this country in 25 years. One of the most significant areas of aid is that which Guyana stands to benefit from the Bush Administration HIV/AIDS US$15B plan. Godard also noted the collaboration at the security level and said the US appreciates the cooperation in the fight narco-trafficking. At the reception Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who at the time was performing the duties of President, expressed his “appreciation to the Government of the United States of America for its support in the fight against narco-trafficking and HIV/AIDS as well as for the Military cooperation and economic assistance packages, to name a few.”
He also urged the continuation of the many high-level official visits to Guyana.