Simextra on Saturday opened a duty-free shop at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle, filling a void that was existing for several years.
The Suriname-based company has been operating in Guyana since 2013 and has other outlets at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the Canawaima Ferry’s Moleson Creek Terminal and MovieTown Mall.
With this new duty-free shop at Ogle, the company now operates seven duty-free outlets between Guyana and Suriname.
Speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Chief Financial Officer Weenu Soekhoe noted that this achievement comes exactly one year after the inauguration of the last duty-free store. Soekhoe reflected on the family-owned business’ journey, describing it as a humble beginning that has grown into a flourishing enterprise. She attributed much of Simextra’s success to the vision and determination of the company’s CEO and COO, who recognized the potential for growth in the two markets.
Airport Manager Philip Lynch welcomed Simextra to the Ogle Airport family and expressed confidence that Simextra’s investment at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport will be a prosperous one, and one that opens the floodgates for more investment as the airport continues on its growth trajectory.
During his address, Lynch said “Simextra’s entry into the Ogle Airport family is a demonstration of the growing air travel industry in Guyana, and in particular the proliferation of Eugene F. Correia International Airport which just a few short years ago was solely the hub for domestic flight operations.”
Lynch spoke about the growth of Ogle airport citing that for the year ending December 2023, a total of 78,035 international passengers passed through the airport, representing a 46% increase over the previous year. The steady increase in passenger numbers has necessitated the expansion of the facilities here to accommodate that growth. The expansion of the international apron has just been completed, almost doubling in size, and can accommodate two more ATR 72 aircraft.
“As we speak, work is on the way to construct a new car park as well as a cargo facility. These are expected to be completed early in 2025,” Lynch added. “Following that, the terminal building expansion will be started. The capacity of the terminal is expected to double upon its completion. The new expanded terminal will have more floor space for both incoming and outgoing duty-free shops.”
Minister of Public Works, Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill who also delivered an address at the opening ceremony highlighted that investments like this tell a powerful story about Guyana’s business environment.
Minister Edghill extended heartfelt congratulations to the management of Simextra Group and posited that “The fiscal incentives in place are proving attractive, encouraging entrepreneurs to invest and expand.”
The Eugene F. Correia International Airport at Ogle has daily scheduled international flights to destinations including Trinidad, Barbados and Suriname.