By Sharda Bacchus
After overcoming numerous challenges, the newly rehabilitated $688 million Eteringbang airstrip in Region Seven has been completed and officially named in honour of the late Brigadier Gary Beaton.
Now known as the Brigadier Gary Beaton Aerodrome, this state-of-the-art facility is designed to withstand all weather conditions and ensure 24-hour accessibility.
Serving as a critical transportation link between Guyana and Venezuela, the aerodrome is capable of accommodating all local aircraft, except the Beechcraft. This vital project was initially started under the guidance of Brigadier (Ret’d) Beaton, who served as a Government Projects Engineer.
To pay tribute to his unwavering service and dedication, the aerodrome was officially opened and renamed on Thursday by President Dr. Irfaan Ali – Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
The ceremony was attended by a host of distinguished guests, including the widow of Brigadier (Ret’d) Beaton, Member of Parliament Jennifer Westford.
In his address, President Ali highlighted the importance of the facility in transforming the community’s economic prospects.
“This facility will lead to many other developments in the community,” President Ali assured the gathered crowd.
“For years, this facility held back the community economically and in terms of infrastructure, simply because access was limited. Now, things will change.”
President Ali also urged residents to remember the sacrifices made by Brigadier Beaton and other servicemen who lost their lives on December 6, 2023.
“It is with great pride that we celebrate this commissioning today. We would have loved for Gary to be here physically, but his legacy lives on. The good book tells us that our works endure, and it is the work we do, the contributions we make, and the sacrifices we offer that keep us alive.”
The airstrip, which is constructed of laterite, had faced serious safety concerns over the years. Situated near the Guyana-Venezuela border, soldiers and engineers working on the project were confronted with a range of difficulties, from robberies to challenges in sourcing materials. In September 2022, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) began upgrading the airstrip to concrete pavement, allocating $214.5 million to the project. This upgrade covers approximately 2,100 feet of the runway, significantly enhancing safety and operational capacity.
Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, emphasized the profound impact the new infrastructure will have on the region’s economy.
“With this upgrade, we are expecting an economic explosion in the region,” he said. “While we aimed to complete this project within a year, the numerous challenges delayed us. But today, we have something to be truly proud of.”
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, echoed similar sentiments, describing the aerodrome as a testament to resilience and vision.
“This is more than just an infrastructure upgrade; it is a reflection of Brigadier Beaton’s values, dedication, and foresight. As we dedicate this aerodrome in his honour, we remember that his legacy will leave an indelible mark on Guyana’s history and future.”
The completion of the Brigadier Gary Beaton Aerodrome marks not just the end of a challenging construction process, but the beginning of a new chapter for the region.
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