Guyana President Irfaan Ali vows to curb soaring airfares and food costs

President Dr Irfaan Ali said he is “very disappointed” with the domestic aviation sector after airfares to hinterland locations remained high despite recent government investment in new airstrips. He noted that airlines had initially lowered fares following the opening of upgraded airstrips such as Karasabai, Aishalton and Paramakatoi, but raised them again in April as global fuel prices spiked because of the Middle East conflict.

Ali announced a plan to reduce food prices in the Moruca sub‑region of Region One. The government will create a community‑run cargo service between Charity and Moruca, to be operated by a consortium of young entrepreneurs with financing from the Guyana Development Bank. He also pledged to expand local agricultural production, including poultry farming, using the same bank’s funding, aiming to lower the cost of living for residents.