Roraima airways newsletter

RORAIMA GROUP OF COMPANIES - QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

Roraima Airways now an Approved Maintenance Organization (AMO) Page 2 Wedding Expo 2016 a success!

Page 6 Dynamic International Airways brands their Boeing 767 with Guyana’s Golden Jubilee logo Page 7

Government Ministers, Annette Ferguson (eighth from left) and Catherine Hughes (Fifth from right) flanked by members of the Private Sector, Aviation and Tourism fraternities, along with other stakeholders with the triple-engine Britten Norman Trislander in the background.

Captain Gerry Gouveia and “CCH” Pounder

"CCH" Pounder visited Guyana during the Golden Jubilee and chose to explore the land of her birth by visiting the Arrowpoint Nature Resort.

Carol Christine Hilaria "CCH" Pounder (born December 25, 1952) is a Guyaneseborn American actress. She has appeared in numerous films, made-for-television films, television miniseries, and plays, and has made guest appearances on notable television shows. From 2002 to 2008, she starred as Detective Claudette Wyms in the FX police drama The Shield. In 2009, she appeared as Mo'at in James Cameron's film Avatar. She starred in recurring roles as Mrs. Irene Frederic on the series Warehouse 13 until its series finale on May 19, 2014 and DA Tyne Patterson on the FX series Sons of Anarchy. Currently she portrays medical examiner Dr. Loretta Wade on NCIS: New Orleans.

Ambassador George Talbott, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Rickford Burke, Karen Kraus, Dynamic’s Chief Operations Officer and Captain Gerry Gouveia cut the partnership cake on Wednesday. (Ariana Gordon photos)

On Wednesday April 27th, Dynamic International Airways unveiled the logo of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary as well as the New York logo on their Boeing 767 aircraft at the John F. Kennedy International Airport.

The unveiling ceremony was witnessed by the 50th anniversary committee of New York, Ambassador George Talbott, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and representatives of Dynamic International Airways.

Read more on page 7

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On April 25th 2016, Roraima Airways launched the Britten Norman Trislander, the newest addition to its fleet and the Approved Maintenance Organization at the Roraima Airways Hangar, Ogle International Airport. The new aircraft has been branded with the Golden Jubilee logo.

In attendance were special invitees including the Hon. Catherine Hughes, Minister of Public Telecommunications and Tourism, Hon. Annette Ferguson, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Major General (ret’d) Norman McLean, Captain Annette Arjoon, president of National Air Transport Association (NATA), representatives from several embassies and consulates, members of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Vishnu Doerga, members of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) and media operatives. Father Monty was also present to offer words of wisdom.

Hon. Catherine Hughes addressing invitees at launch.

In the past, Roraima Airways outsourced its aircraft maintenance.

However, with its new AMO certificate and maintenance division, outsourcing is now a thing of the past.

Chaitrani Heeralall of Guyana Civil Aviation Authority presenting Captain Debbie Gouveia with the AMO certificate

The Base Maintenance Facilities are located at Ogle International Airport.

The Facility Layout consists of: Hangar floor, Avionic Bay, Seat Bay Wheel and Hydraulic Bay, Sheet Metal Repair Bay, Engine and Propeller Bay, Mechanic’s Changing Room, battery Charging Room, Technical Stores, Technical Records and Technical Library Office Spaces for the Accountable Manager, Engineers and Technicians, Quality Assurance Manager and Chief Engineer

The facility’s Scope of Work entailed Base and Line maintenance activities for:

Job Creation Roraima Airways received its Approved Maintenance Certificate on January 13, 2016 from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).This means that Roraima Airways holds the capacity to provide maintenance for its Aircraft and that of other Aircraft operators who desire the service.

In keeping with Roraima’s corporate social responsibility and vision of providing safe and quality aviation service, the Approved Maintenance Organization division provided for the creation of several career opportunities for the positions of Chief Engineer, Accountable Manager, Aviation Technicians,

Record Clerks and Quality Control personnel.

Roraima AMO division Serves

Aircraft Operators The options for the maintenance services of Aircraft owners have now been expanded Additionally, Roraima’s AMO services creates a more competitive environment and will lead to the provision of better quality service delivery.

The Britten-Norman Trislander (more formally designated the BN-2A Mk III Trislander) is an 18-seat three-engine piston-powered civilian utility aircraft produced in the 1980s by BrittenNorman of Britain. These Short Takeoff & Landing (STOL) capable aircraft were produced in Belgium and delivered to Britain for their certification.

Designed by John Britten and Desmond Norman, the Trislander is a further development of BrittenNorman’s better-known Islander aircraft in order to give it a larger carrying capacity. In comparison to the Islander, the Trislander has a stretched fuselage, strengthened fixed tricycle landing gear, and a third engine on the fuselage center line atop the fin. The Trislander has exceptional low speed handling characteristics, extended endurance, increased payload, low noise signature and economical operating costs. Capable of taking off from a 1500-foot-long landing strip, the Trislander can readily operate from unprepared surfaces.

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In 2014, Nadine Moore joined the Roraima team and has since been making quite an impression with her natural knack for blooming projects from concepts to reality.

Nadine is a bright and energetic young professional who spearheads the sales and events division. She studied at the University of Guyana and always focuses on gaining more knowledge and keeping in the loop with modern trends in order to remain current so as to always offer the best options to customers. Her ability to work well under pressure ensures the smooth and efficient running of all events at all Roraima Airways venues including Roraima Duke Lodge and Roraima Residence Inn. Being a team player, Nadine also possesses the ability to complete a wide range of activities that require clear communication, excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

When she is not interacting with clients or planning another event, Ms. Moore enjoys relaxing at home and reading or communicating with relatives and friends. One thing Nadine has learned from working at Roraima Airways is that once you believe in yourself, no obstacle can prevent you from achieving your goals.

Sacha Persaud had been a member of the Roraima team for fifteen years and enjoys the day to day challenges she is faced with because not only does it make work more interesting, it also teaches her life lessons which makes her a stronger employee and individual overall. As a senior Manager, Sacha Persaud is tasked with many responsibilities at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) for the Ground Handling and Aviation Security divisions and the Executive and Crew lounges all under Roraima Airways.

She leads an efficient and professional team of one hundred agents who are all trained and equipped to handle the day to day operations of Roraima Airways. She works as a coach/mentor to them daily by focusing on both their individual strength and strength as a team so that they operate at optimal potential.

A part of her responsibility is to ensure that preparations are taken care of for the arrival and departure of flights done locally, regionally and internationally. She also ensures that all safety procedures and documents are handled according to regulations.

Sacha believes in discipline and professionalism and lives by the words of Zig Ziglar which states that your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.

4 They are first briefed on the day’s activities before setting off into the jungle for the Wabani trail. They have to aid each other in getting past false trails, spider webs and mysterious sounds of the jungle.

After clearing the trail, they arrive at the Wabani structure and take turns in helping each other climb to the top.

Race to the Altar is a competition that allows affianced couples to compete and win an all-expense paid wedding, compliments of Roraima Group of Companies.

Race to the Altar 2016 attracted over thirty persons vying for the chance to be the winning couple of this year.

The process was an exciting one. It started out with the Wedding Expo committee conducting interviews both individually and with their other halves.

Five couples were shortlisted and taken to the Arrowpoint Nature Resort for the second round of the competition. At the resort, obstacles are set up to judge the couples’ interaction and communication with each other under pressure.

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Couples are then guided to the Lucky Seed landing to climb into their Kayaks so that they can make their way through Alligator Alley. After a few harmless collision and “bumps on the water”, the couples paddle through Alligator Alley where the eyes of reptiles follow the colourful kayaks as they cut through the dark waters.

After lunch, the couples do a sitdown interview with Captain Gerry Gouveia to talk about their relationship, how they met and family life. The day is closed off with fun activities, including a bike ride through the jungle.

Days after the Arrowpoint phase of the competition, members of the Wedding Expo committee visit the homes of the five contestants for more interviews, this time, getting a better view of life among family.

The final phase of this competition takes place on Valentine’s night where the couples dine at Duke Lodge and put on a show of talent just before the winners are announced. This is done usually through dance, song or dramatic presentation.

After completing this part of the journey, the couples arrive back at the landing of the Arrowpoint Nature Resort where they are treated to lunch and relaxation before entering another phase of the competition.

Just before the announcement of the winning couple of 2016. L-R: Captain Gerry Gouveia, winning couple of 2013 and 2014.

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After winning the Race to the Altar 2016 competition, Steven Persaud and Monalisa Sammy met with the wedding coordinators to plan their special day. The journey continued to be an exhilarating one as they began to select wedding bands, wedding dresses and suits, menu, invitations and other important aspects of the ceremony.

Apart from meeting with some exhibitors and other companies that came on board make their wedding a success, the soon to be wed couple made several appearances on television and radio programs with Roraima representatives to promote the wedding expo event. They also played their part on the Wedding Expo road campaign by joining the Roraima team downtown to tell the public about the exhibition.

On April 2, 2016, Steven and Monalisa had their all-expense paid wedding at the Roraima Duke Lodge.

The ceremony was attended by their family and friends and patrons of the Wedding Expo had a chance to witness the exciting activities of the afternoon, from the time Monalisa arrive in her limoscene to the moment they exchanged vows, were introduced for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Persaud and were serenaded by singing sensation, Ryan Hoppie.

The newlywed couple along with their family and friends proceeded to take photos afterwards then went on to the Victoria Hall for a private reception.

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‘Playing for keeps’ at InselAir’s booth

Fine pieces on display by Kings Jewellery World

Republic Bank agents offering information and financial advice

Renee Chester of Bromeliad.rnc and Poonam Singh, Miss Global International 2016

Brides and Grooms of different cultural and religious backgrounds

Wedding Expo began eight years ago and continues to grow as it remains committed to promoting small businesses that provide services not just for weddings but for life beyond marriage. This year, we were pleased to hear the Hon. Catherine Hughes, Minister of Public Telecommunications and Tourism reaffirm her ministry and the government’s commitment to tabling legislations to ensure the issuance of marriage licenses in a shorter time so that visitors who wish to be wedded in Guyana can do so without having to wait until spending a certain amount of weeks here in the country.

This year attracted additional sponsors and a vast number of new exhibitors including the Small Business Bureau, Infinity Photography and international partners.

Wedding Expo 2016 also welcomed sixteen year old Reall Stewart, the youngest ever exhibitor to come onboard. This is a demonstration of a growing interest in this annual event and the profitability of participating.

The Wedding Expo has built a legacy of aiding startup businesses into becoming established stores with growing clientele.

Many entrepreneurs can attest to the growth and development of their businesses after coming onboard. Roraima Airways allows access to thousands of potential customers in three days and builds a business network that cannot be matched.

Section of the crowd at the fashion show

Display of bridal gowns

Gavin O’Brien, Salvador de Caires, Shaun McGrath and Andrea De Caires

Dancer and drummers from Barbados entertaining patrons

We offer the ‘Magnificent Beginnings’ experience not just for affianced couples but for those who are already married as well. Visiting the Wedding Expo reignites the flames in marriages that may have been extinguished over the years.

Special samples at the Ansa Mcal booth

Cultural Blend

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In the eve of Guyana celebrating its 50th Independence Anniversary, International air carrier Dynamic Airways has partnered with the 50th Anniversary Committee in New York to be part of Guyana’s jubilee celebrations.

Captain Gerry Gouveia, Dynamic’s representative in Guyana, said though the airline had started off on shaky footing, has demonstrated its commitment to the Guyana market and is currently extending its service in Guyana.

Gouveia, who is the Managing-Director of Roraima Airways in brief remarks disclosed that “Dynamic Airways commitment to Guyana is growing every day as we increase the flights.” The businessman noted too that it is the airline’s intention to make the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) “the hub that the IDB said it can’t be.

“We are going to make Timehri International airport the hub to feed traffic out of New York into Trinidad, Suriname, Boa Vista and Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela, using that international airport that the IDB says can’t be made into a hub; we will make it into a hub,” he said passionately.

He said he is proud to be associated with the airline that has been operating the Guyana/New York route for two years.

Dynamic has thus far employed some 35 Guyanese to work its Guyana/New York route since it began operations there.

“The airline’s relationship with the country is not just about flying the plane. It is about becoming part of nation-building activities,” added Gouveia.

He said Dynamic Airways was more than ready to participate in Guyana’s jubilee celebrations and noted that the placing of the 50th Independence Anniversary logo on their aircraft serves to recognize the contributions being made to nationbuilding. “Dynamic International Airways is in a tangible way demonstrating their

commitment to Guyana, not only by the creation of jobs, not only by celebrating or supporting the committee here in NY …but by putting this logo is a tangible demonstration of its commitment,” said Gouveia.

He noted that the service provided by the airline has improved tremendously over the past 12 months, highlighting that it has been “running a 95 per cent on- time departures and is running at almost a 90 per cent load factors.”

Meanwhile, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador George Talbott, said air transport is critical to the development of nations globally. He told those gathered at the simple unveiling ceremony that Guyana is not only celebrating its 50th Independence Anniversary, but also 50 years as a member of the international community, both of which are significant milestones. He noted that Guyana on a per capita basis has one of the largest diasporas internationally and is known for its mobility.

“Mobility has been a fact of life for Guyanese internationally and domestically,” Ambassador Talbott stated.

“Guyana’s engagement has been both official and through the actions of its citizens and as a result one might say Guyana is arguably home to one of the most internationally mobile populations in the world.”

Some 140,000 Guyanese he said, live in the New York area. The Guyanese ambassador said aviation remains critical to the development of Guyana not only internationally, but domestically, noting the importance of aviation to accessing natural resources and services that are essential to the population.

“I wish to acknowledge in that context the important role Dynamic Airways is playing. I wish to pay tribute to the partnership with Dynamic Airways. After I would say, a tentative and challenging beginning you have persisted. I think demonstrating characteristic Guyanese tenacity,” Ambassador Talbott stated.

He hopes that Dynamic continues to partner with Guyana and work so that the partnership becomes stronger and permanent, and more so part of the fabric of Guyana’s engagement with the world.

The Ambassador applauded Captain Gouveia for his role in nurturing the partnership with Dynamic and “helping to advance in the face of challenges now to a place where we have regular flights from Dynamic.”

Chief Operations Officer (COO) Dynamic International Airways Karen Kraus said the airline is pleased to partner with Guyana and noted that it does not view the relationship with Guyana as “just a partnership.”

“It is not just a partnership, but it has really and truly become a friendship and we are committed to the longterm support of the people in Guyana.

We are committed to continuing to provide affordable flights to bring people back and forth between New York and Guyana.”

Kraus noted that while the airline has already provided dozens of jobs to Guyanese people, it will continue to hire locals to work the Guyana/New York route. Meanwhile, Chairman of Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebration committee in New York, Rickford Burke, thanked Dynamic Airways for its commitment to Guyana and for partnering with the Committee. http://guyanachronicle.com/dynamic-airways-joinsjubilee-celebrations/

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Valerie Rodway Guyana, Guyana, this fair land of ours Has broken the bondage of far distant powers, We love you Guyana from high land to sea, And pray God make worthy your children to be.

Chorus: All hail to Guyana, our country now free, One people, one nation, one destiny, We pledge every effort, we’ll cherish this earth And make here a paradise - Land of our birth.

No rich El Dorado has ever been found Though many have ended their lives on this ground, Our labour in factory, in office and field Will give us the wealth and the full harvest’s yield.

With purpose and vigour we’ll carve our own fate Unmoved by distraction, prejudice and hate, Together we’ll strive for our new nation’s goal, Inspired by goodwill, a kinship of soul.

www.beautyofbirds.com/crimsontopazes

Hon. Catherine Hughes presents Sonia Khan, Assistant General Manager of Roraima Airways with pins and certificate for successfully completing a three-month hospitality training course at The Crane Hotel in Barbados.

Mitra Ramkumar, C.F.O of Roraima Airways presents all-expense paid trips to Kaieteur and Arrowpoint Nature Resort at the Ministry of Business. L-R Ramdhanie Sukhai, winner of a trip to Kaieteur, Muriel Tinnis, Director of Consumer Affairs, Mitra Ramkumar, C.F.O of Roraima Airways, Kim Stephen, Deputy Permanent Secretary and Jamal Billingy, winner of a trip to Arrowpoint Nature Resort.

Captain Gerry Gouveia after his first command flight on the BN21 Trislander. Upon landing, operations superintendent Lenny Rupchand greets and congratulates him by dousing him with bucket of water. (Roraima Airways photo)

The Crimson Topaz (Topaza pella) is a resident (non-migratory) South American hummingbird that occurs naturally in Amazonian Brazil to south of the Amazon river, in southern Venezuela and the Guianas. They inhabit lowland rainforests up to an elevation of approx. 1,700 feet or 500 meters. They are found high up in the canopy and in the ever green forests along rivers and creeks. Very rarely they come down to the ground. So even though they are quite common within their range, they are not often seen.

They make high-pitched chirps and whistles.

Their contact or defense calls are often short. Their aggression / chase calls are described as a series of rapid chattering.

Topazes usually breed twice a year, and the breeding season varies according to the range.

In Guiana, the first season usually starts in January and goes on until April, and the second is from July through November. Hummingbirds in general are solitary and neither live nor migrate in flocks; and there is no pair bond for this species - the male's only involvement in the reproductive process is the actual mating with the female.

They primarily feed on nectar taken from a variety of brightly colored, scented small flowers of trees, vines, shrubs and epiphytes found in the canopy of the forest.. They are often observed visiting the flowers of the Bromeliaceae and Ericaceae. In some areas (such as the Suriname), they forage near the ground.