A community once reachable only by lengthy road and river journeys now has a direct link to the rest of Guyana, after President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday commissioned a rehabilitated 2,000-metre airstrip set to transform Mainstay/Whyaka’s fortunes in tourism, agriculture and trade.
President Dr Irfaan Ali commissioned the runway during a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and several Cabinet ministers. The facility was upgraded through a Government initiative led by the Ministry of Public Works in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Utilities and Aviation, forming part of a broader push to strengthen transportation infrastructure in hinterland and riverain communities.
Ali said the airstrip represents an investment aimed at unlocking the economic potential of Mainstay/Whyaka, encouraging residents to expand agriculture and develop tourism-related businesses. He pointed to the community’s pineapple industry, saying Mainstay could become a major eco-tourism destination through investment in resorts and other visitor attractions.
Beyond tourism, he said improved connectivity would complement investments in roads and ferry services, reducing travel time and transportation costs while improving access to healthcare, education and government services.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Madanlall Ramraj said the project reflects the President’s vision of ensuring no community is left behind, while Regional Chairman Devin Mohan called it a transformational investment that would strengthen tourism and create employment.
For residents, the benefits are already clear. Mainstay/Whyaka Toshao Marsha Williams said the upgraded airstrip would make the village more accessible to visitors and investors, directly benefiting farmers, small businesses and tourism operators.
Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar recalled resident consultations held in 2025, saying the commissioning demonstrated the Government’s commitment to delivering on its promises.
Contractor representative Cynthia Paul of Builders Hardware General Supplies and Construction described the project as an example of successful public-private collaboration. Residents, including Joel Fredericks, welcomed the continued investment in Amerindian communities.
