GEORGETOWN, GUYANA – The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and Caribbean Airlines (CAL) have been forced into an urgent, joint investigation following serious public bribery and extortion allegations raised by a passenger concerning fees for overweight baggage.
The incident casts a sharp spotlight on the persistent problem of corruption at Guyana’s main international gateway. The allegations follow a period of heightened scrutiny over the integrity of airport and law enforcement personnel.
Just weeks ago, police officers operating at CJIA were arrested after CCTV footage allegedly showed them demanding money from a passenger, prompting the government to mandate that all law enforcement at ports of entry begin wearing body cameras to enhance transparency.
The Airport’s Zero Tolerance Warning
CJIA has assured the public it is treating the latest bribery claims with the utmost seriousness. In a statement, the airport issued a stern warning: all official payments, including for overweight baggage, must be made directly to the airline through approved channels with an official receipt.
The airport emphasized that “No payment should ever be made to any individual officer or staff member.” To combat misconduct, CJIA is urging travelers to become informants, strongly encouraging them to immediately report any witnessed or encountered corruption to the nearest police station, CJIA Security, or via their dedicated hotline and email address.
Integrity in Action: The Lost and Found Tally
Despite the controversies, the airport’s Public Relations Officer, Ms. Shunza Samuels, sought to showcase the professionalism of the dedicated staff by highlighting the success of the airport security unit. Samuels stated, “The success of this Unit is a direct reflection of the professionalism and integrity we uphold.”
The recovered item tally for the first nine months of 2025 painted a picture of dedication, with staff having recovered and returned numerous valuable items to passengers, including: 80 laptops, 32 mobile phones, 106 pieces of luggage/carry-ons, and 15 travel documents, in addition to electronic devices and cash. This focus on integrity, the airport asserted, underpins its pledge to maintain a “zero-tolerance stance on corruption” and promote service excellence for all travelers.
