Guyana’s geographic location and expanding oil economy make it uniquely positioned to serve as a regional logistics and trade hub. To meet this goal, the government has embarked on a robust infrastructure modernization program, targeting roads, bridges, ports and airports. These initiatives will significantly enhance Guyana’s role in regional commerce and bolster its strategic value to foreign investors.

In terms of roads and bridges, key developments include the rehabilitation of 30 kilometers of the East Bank Demerara Highway between Diamond to Timehri. This highway is the sole access route from the capital to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). We are also upgrading the East Coast Highway and expanding the Railway Embankment from two to four lanes. Works will stretch 40 kilometers from Sheriff Street to Orange Nassau.

Additionally, we are upgrading 90 kilometers of the Corentyne Highway, which connects to ferry services with Suriname, to strengthen cross-border trade. Other projects include rehabilitation of the 90-kilometre Soesdyke-Linden Highway, the main artery to the mining town of Linden, and the 121-kilometre Linden-Mabura Road, part of the Guyana-Brazil corridor. The full rehabilitation of the Linden-Lethem Road, a key Brazil-Guyana artery, includes a fixed-span bridge at Kurupukari over the Essequibo River.

New road constructions include the 7-kilometre East Coast-East Bank Bypass Road, the 70-kilometre Parika-Goshen Road and the 70-kilometer Sand Hills-Bartica Road. We are also building new bridges, including the New Demerara River Bridge, McKenzie-Wismar Bridge and the New Berbice River Bridge, the latter of which involves four lanes and is in its procurement phase. Additionally, we are in the procurement phase for the proposed Corentyne River Bridge project. In Georgetown, we are planning to widen several key thoroughfares from two to four lanes.

Guyana is also undergoing major developments to enhance our ports in line with our goal of making the nation a regional maritime logistics hub. These include upgrading the Parika stelling port to an international port of entry; construction of four new ports in Region 1; development of a deep-water port; dredging of the Demerara, Berbice and Pomeroon rivers to enhance navigability; and the comprehensive rehabilitation of stellings nationwide.

In terms of upgrading our airports, major projects include the construction of a new terminal building at CJIA to improve freight handling capacity; key upgrades to CJIA’s infrastructure, including a new administrative building, a commercial center with duty-free concessions and electronic gates for arrivals and departures; and modernization of hinterland airstrips, including the conversion of gravel and laterite surfaces to concrete or asphalt.

Major projects are also underway to improve connectivity and ensure equitable development across all regions. The government has adopted a multi-dimensional approach to improving infrastructure access to Guyana’s hinterland and interior regions, including the establishment of information and communications technology hubs to enhance digital connectivity; expansion of road and bridge networks to integrate remote regions with the national economy; upgrades to hinterland airstrips to improve air access; and introduction of ferry services via waterways, particularly for riverine and indigenous communities. These measures directly support key economic sectors, such as agriculture, forestry and mining, while enhancing social integration and accessibility.

Given that some of Guyana’s coastland lies two meters below sea level, climate adaptation is a critical element in our infrastructure design. These practices reflect the government’s commitment to sustainable development and resilience against climate change. Specific interventions include culvert and drainage systems designed for increased surface runoff; elevation of road surfaces to mitigate flood risk; strategic mangrove planting to prevent coastal erosion; design of hard infrastructure with elevation allowances to address future sea-level rise; use of natural and recycled materials wherever feasible; and introduction of solar-powered street lighting in selected areas.

To uphold transparency and integrity, the government has instituted a rigorous accountability framework. It is mandated that all projects are procured following the Procurement Act of 2003; open competitive bidding is the default method, barring emergencies; evaluation committees assess bids and report to either ministries or the National Tender & Procurement Administration, depending on the project value; and peer-review is completed of all bidding documents, including bills of quantities and technical specifications to ensure robustness.

To promote efficiency, we ensure that only trained engineers and clerks of works supervise construction and international consultants are engaged for high-value or complex projects. The ministry maintains a monitoring and evaluation department and an internal audit department, both of which are actively involved in project oversight and performance assessment.

Guyana is investing heavily in human capital to build the technical and institutional capacity required for its infrastructure agenda. Current initiatives include cash grants for school students to promote retention; free tertiary education at the University of Guyana; online learning through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning; technical training via the Board of Industrial Training; technical and vocational education and training programs that offer industry-relevant skills; promotion of international accreditation for courses and institutions; and active collaboration with private institutions and companies for workforce development. These initiatives are designed to create a qualified, adaptable and future-ready workforce.

Over the next decade, Guyana envisions a modern, inclusive and resilient infrastructure ecosystem built on strengthening connectivity across all regions, integrating green technologies and fostering a high standard of living. The infrastructure landscape will underpin Guyana’s economic diversification and solidify its role as a key investment destination in the hemisphere. By prioritizing quality, sustainability, and innovation, Guyana will continue to attract international investment and serve as a model for developing economies navigating rapid growth.