New Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge delivers new opportunities, great access
New Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge delivers new opportunities, great access
Active plan underway to transform, position Georgetown as one of the ‘finest capitals in the world’
GUYANA’S largest and most advanced thoroughfare to date was officially commissioned recently and named in honour of former President and current Vice-President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.
The official name, the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, was announced by President Dr. Irfaan Ali as he addressed a large gathering at a ceremony held on the eastern end of the bridge.
In his remarks, President Ali paid tribute to Dr. Jagdeo, describing him as a confidant, a visionary leader, and a tireless champion for democracy, sustainable development, and global climate action.
Highlighting Dr. Jagdeo’s contributions to national development, the Guyanese leader praised his leadership during his tenure as President of Guyana, a period in which the country saw the restoration of macroeconomic stability, debt relief through
the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative, and a renewed focus on poverty reduction and infrastructure development.
President Ali noted that naming the bridge after Dr. Jagdeo was a fitting recognition of his decades-long service to the nation, and his enduring commitment to advancing Guyana’s socio-economic progress.
“I want to recognise a
man that has dedicated his life to the upliftment of this country; a man who has been an adviser, an architect, and an anchor in our development today. I want to pay tribute to a giant of our local politics
and economy,” the President said, noting that in the near future, many of the country’s giants will be honoured.
‘THE DAWN OF TRANSFORMATION’
The massive infrastructure, President Ali noted, will serve not simply as a crossing but a catalyst that will spur growth across the country.
Describing it as a TURN TO PAGE 14A
OUTLINING a clearly defined strategy to transform Guyana’s capital city, Georgetown, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has announced the launch of ‘Rescue Georgetown,’ a city revival plan for sustainable urban development.
During a press conference back in September, President Ali acknowledged the city’s longstanding challenges, including mismanagement and inefficiency at the municipal level and declared that the current state of affairs could “no longer be tolerated.”
He announced the launch of a comprehensive city revival plan, developed with the support of the Kings Foundation, aimed at restoring Georgetown’s status as a source of national pride.
Over the past five years, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic government has invested billions of dollars in infrastructural projects across the city, including upgrades to drainage systems, roads, and public spaces, effectively stepping in where a cashstrapped Georgetown Mayor and City Council (GM&CC) failed.
“We believe that it is time for us as citizens, as a country, to take charge of this situation. And I want to launch from the government work in advancing the rescue of Georgetown.”
These efforts, President Ali said, are part of a broader national strategy for sustainable urban development, with Georgetown as the focal TURN TO PAGE 7A
PRESIDENT, Dr. Irfaan
Ali has announced a series of immediate policy measures to strengthen foreign exchange management and protect Guyana’s financial system, as the country faces unprecedented demand for U.S. dollars and a surge in credit card transactions.
During an engagement with the heads of commercial banks and regulatory agencies earlier this month, President Ali revealed that credit card clearances alone had skyrocketed.
“In 2023, total credit card clearance was about US$91.3 million. In 2024, it was US$347.5 million. And to date [in 2025], it is almost US$252 million and you don’t even have Christmas clearances yet. That growth is extraordinary,” the President said.
Dr. Ali said the government will ensure that such financial trends do not com-
promise the country’s economic stability or create opportunities for capital flight.
“This is an effort to monitor and ensure that we have enough foreign currency in the market. Of course, we’re in a position where we can clear the foreign currency, but we have to also protect Guyana’s interest, so the government, with immediate effect, will be implementing a series of policy measures,” the President said.
The new measures which will be enforced with immediate effect are as follows:
1. Invoices required for forex requests: Any request for foreign exchange at commercial banks must be accompanied by a copy of the commercial invoice.
2. Verification upon arrival: Importers will be required to submit the invoice and bill of lading to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and their bank once goods ar-
rive, to verify that items were indeed brought into Guyana.
3. Conditional access to future forex: If customers fail to submit verified documents, their subsequent requests for foreign exchange will not be processed.
4. Central Bank Clearing Window: Commercial banks will submit invoices and bills of lading to the Bank of Guyana for further verification through a newly established single-window system.
5. Credit Card Restrictions: Personal credit cards must not be used to settle business obligations.
6. Penalties for inflated invoicing and capital flight: Entities involved in over-invoicing, property transactions, or related-party transfers designed to move capital offshore will face penalties.
7. Declaration of curren-
cy sources: Persons leaving Guyana with foreign currency must declare the source, whether from banks or cambios, to enhance transparency.
8. Local bank accounts for oil & gas companies: All entities registered under the Local Content Law must maintain a local bank account into which foreign currency earnings are remitted.
9. Central Bank Clearinghouse: A single-window post-clearing system will reconcile transactions among the GRA, commercial banks, and the Bank of Guyana before new forex requests are facilitated.
President Ali said that these measures are designed to close loopholes and elimi-
nate duplication, adding that: “This will take away all the accusations and bring parity in the system.”
The President further cautioned against shell companies and related-party invoicing schemes used to disguise capital flight.
He added that the Central Bank and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) will co-ordinate closely with commercial banks to ensure compliance and identify breaches.
Tuesday’s engagement stressed the importance of safeguarding foreign currency use to prevent misappropriation and ensure compliance with regulations.
The engagement was welcomed with commitments from all stakeholders present to work together to implement and monitor the measures.
IN a significant step towards strengthening food security and transforming Guyana into a regional leader in agri-business, the Government of Guyana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with renowned United States (U.S.)-based company, Blumberg Grain and Logistics.
The agreement, inked at the Ministry of Agriculture’s main boardroom on Regent Street, paves the way for the establishment of a stateof-the-art regional food hub at Yarrowkabra, along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.
Offering brief remarks, Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, said the signing of the MoU is “testament to the government’s commitment in making Guyana a food-secured country.” He added, “We’ve moved away from that kind of labour-intensive form of production to a more modern and scientific form of production…We are now bringing that expertise to Guyana to transform the development that started since 2020.”
The Minister noted that Guyana had made “tremendous” strides since 2020, reminding that the country is the only nation in the world that can feed its citizens.
Meanwhile, Blumberg Grain’s Chairman, Philip Blumberg, said Guyana will become its official hub in the Caribbean region, as the MoU marks the first step in reducing post-harvest losses and increasing exportability.
“First step towards what we are doing is to reduce post-harvest loss.
While it is a self-sufficient kind of country, we can reduce post-harvest loss, which is the loss farmers sustain from their field to the market. It will only increase the exportable products in the agriculture sector, and we are focussed on CARICOM, and northern South America as we make our investments,” Blumberg said.
It is anticipated that with this new partnership in Guyana, farmers will be able to get greater revenues and access markets across the globe.
Seated is a representative of Guyana’s Agriculture Ministry and Blumberg Grain’s Chairman, Philip Blumberg, signing the official documents on Wednesday morning, as Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh; Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha and U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot. look on (Delano Williams photo)
In response to the charge given by Guyana’s President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, Blumberg noted that the company will explore investments in a manufacturing plant covering a spectrum of industries.
“We will invest, not only will we do this project and I hope others, and we have had discussions about rice, and meat and poultry, but the reality is, we are prepared to invest in processing on our account of Guyana’s agriculture products,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, reinforced agriculture’s crucial role in the government’s economic strategy.
He stressed that agriculture remains one of the country’s main pillars in the realisation of a globally competitive non-oil economy.
The project, he noted, represents an important deployment of science and technology in agricultural production and supply chains
to realise greater efficiency.
U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, commended the agreement as “a transformative moment in regional development.”
The Yarrowkabra food hub, once completed, is expected to significantly boost Guyana’s export capabilities, reduce post-harvest losses to as low as 5 per cent and provide new manufacturing and processing facilities. It is also expected to serve as the base from which Guyana can strengthen trade across CARICOM and South America, while laying the foundation for entry into U.S. and international markets.
The commencement of Phase One of the project took place in 2023, accompanied by an investment totalling $187 million.
This project aligns with Guyana’s and the Caribbean Community’s CARICOM target of addressing food insecurities.
ULOCKING trade opportunities remains central to Guyana’s long-term economic growth strategy, according to Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh.
Delivering the feature
address at the official launch of the World Trade Centre (WTC) Georgetown on Tuesday, Dr Singh said the timing of the centre’s establishment could not be more fitting, as Guyana continues to experience one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
He explained that the
WTC Georgetown has “tremendous potential” to transform how local businesses access regional and global markets.
“We see it as having tremendous potential, particularly in relation to unlocking trade opportunities for the rest of the Guyanese private
sector,” Dr Singh stated. STRATEGIC STEP FOR GUYANA’S PRIVATE SECTOR
The finance minister commended the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) Group, the driving force behind the initiative, for bring-
Executive Chairman of the World Trade
Georgetown,
ing the prestigious World Trade Centre brand and network to Georgetown.
“I trust that this facility will be used to the fullness of its potential to leverage the same advantages of trade that DDL has demonstrated over the years. I trust the rest of the Guyanese economy will leverage the vast potential for facilities such as this to realise the full advantages of the trade opportunities that lie before us,” he said.
It was against this backdrop, he noted, that President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s government considers trade and the unlocking of trade opportunities as being at the heart and soul and fundamental to ensuring continued growth.
The finance minister went on to note that the government wants every single Guyanese producer of goods and services to be able to sell their goods and services seamlessly across borders and with neighbours and other countries further afield.
“With a President committed to ensuring strong and resilient economic growth, the promotion of trade would seem to be a no-brainer,” he said.
Executive Chairman of the World Trade Centre Georgetown, Komal Samaroo noted that the centre’s role is now more important than ever, given the evolving global trade environment.
He said that as international systems face challenges, countries and companies TURN TO PAGE 15A
point.
“Implementation begins in Georgetown and its surrounding region, the country’s largest urban area, where major investments since 2020 have included highways, range upgrades, and a high-span bridge over the Demerara River.
These efforts are helping to drive economic growth and improve quality of life and are complemented by large-scale expansion of service housing loss to meet growing demand,” he said.
The government’s vision for Georgetown is rooted in the city’s identity as the “Garden City” and heart of the country, with a focus on green infrastructure, climate resilience, and the celebration of cultural heritage.
“We, therefore, are going to work aggressively on ensuring that this identity is recreated and expanded and that our city tells a story of this identity, the story of Georgetown history, heritage, and built environment.”
He explained that the wider vision for Georgetown set out in the low carbon development strategy (LCDs) will see 15 flagship demonstration projects being advanced.
These will include the highlighting of the city’s architectural history, constructing a walking trail along the city, which will lead to the historic transport building and train station, transforming it into a museum and training centre, as
well as immediate works on the Stabroek waterfront and improvements to markets and shopping areas.
“This plan involves embracing the waterways. Georgetown’s drainage canals are our core infrastructure supporting both management and the city’s unique landscape. Therefore, we will be working on the enhancement of all of these drainage canals in a touristic manner so that they form part of the story that we want to be told about Guyana and the city itself,” he explained.
Already the First Lady’s office has led efforts to beautify both urban and rural areas across the country, leading to a rise in greener, cleaner, and more family-friendly spaces.
President Ali reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making Georgetown “one of the finest capital cities in the world,” with plans for further development in surrounding areas and a focus on low-carbon, sustainable growth.
President Ali also highlighted the importance of public education and behavioural change, noting that new educational programmes will help citizens and visitors appreciate the city’s history and contribute to its upkeep.
To this end, he noted that there will be stricter enforcement being applied to ensure
persons are held accountable for destructive behaviour.
“Enforcement will be a critical part of the strategy, but we have to first build the infrastructure whilst you do some amount of enforcement. But we have to have a phased approach—the soft, medium, and hard,” he explained.
He, however, stressed that public education and a clear communication strat-
egy will be critical at this stage.
In summary, the framework key priorities are to protect the city’s character while enabling sustainable growth, deliver housing infrastructure and communities for growth, reduce traffic congestion and promote sustainable transport, protect and enhance heritage, identity, and character, improve sanitation, cleanliness, and
waste management, build resilience to flooding, heat, and climate events, restore urban landscape and green space, and enhance experience and support sustainable tourism.
He stressed that collaboration among all stakeholders will be key in bringing these efforts to life.
“We are now progressing with a clearly defined plan for the city, the pri-
vate sector, and every stakeholder, of course, the mayor and city council, and every stakeholder would be part of advancing these plans, our education system, the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Tourism, and Industry and Commerce. All will play a critical role in advancing this transformation of our city,” the President said.
WITH its emerald rainforests, vibrant skies, and rich biodiversity, Guyana has emerged as a global leader in nature-based economics, providing over US$15.2 billion annually in ecosystem services.
This remarkable valuation was highlighted in July by President Dr. Irfaan Ali at the opening of the Global Biodiversity Summit, currently underway in the country’s capital.
“The forest of Guyana not being cleared, not being sold, not being converted, are providing more economic value by standing than they would if destroyed,” the President said.
Dr. Ali reminded delegates that Guyana’s commitment is rooted in a larger planetary responsibility:
“This is the very essence of nature, positive economy, and its value is not unique to Guyana. It is echoed in every forest, reef, wetland, savan-
nah, and mountain on Earth.”
The country’s forests are home to nearly 8,000 plant species, many of which thrive only in this ancient and ecologically rich region.
“Guyana is a sanctuary of botanical wonder,” President Ali proclaimed, adding that conservation efforts are not only ecological necessities but also powerful economic tools.
“We are committed to scaling blended finance to de-risk investment in nature-based enterprises, piloting biodiversity credits that reward stewardship, expanding the debt-for-nature swap model based on our own experience, and supporting community-driven finance models that place Indigenous leadership at the centre.”
Against this backdrop of policy and finance, the natural spectacle of Guyana remains at the heart of its call for co-operation and greater financing.
President Ali described the nation’s ecosystems as nothing short of symphonic:
“Here in our beloved country, nature doesn’t whisper. It sings, it soars, and it roars. Guyana is home to more than 1,200 species of birds, a staggering number that rivals or even surpasses much larger nations.”
In addition to its avian diversity, Guyana hosts approximately 225 mammal species, including the majestic golden jaguar and the elusive giant river otter, “the gentle guardian of our rivers and wetlands,” President Ali noted.
Back in 2024, a team of experts recorded more than 600 species of plants and at least 713 species of vertebrates, including 22 species that had never before been recorded in Guyana and at least 23 species that are potentially new to science.
The summit, which runs through July 25, is expected to solidify political commitment around a shared global biodiversity agenda. Day one sessions are focussed on aligning the Alliance’s goals with existing international frameworks, setting the tone for deeper collaboration in the days to come.
Debt-for-nature swaps, biodiversity bonds, and credits will be discussed to mobilise resources for conservation.
Guyana will also house the Global Biodiversity Alliance’s secretariat with the mission of monitoring conservation pledges and fostering global co-operation.
-President Ali sworn in for second term, recommits to service, unity, relief for citizens -reiterates plans for no new taxes, slashed electricity costs, reduced cost of living
DR. Irfaan Ali, Guyana’s Ninth Executive President, in September reaffirmed his commitment to serve with humility, reduce the cost of living, and work in unity with all sectors of society to improve the lives of Guyanese and propel Guyana’s development.
He was at the time delivering a passionate address before thousands gathered on the lawns of State House for his Inauguration Ceremony, which marked the commencement of his second term in office.
“I stand before you this day, both humbled and exalted by the solemn honour you have once more entrusted to me to serve as your President,” Dr. Ali declared shortly after taking the oath of office.
The President reiterated his administration’s pledge to bring tangible relief to citizens, vowing no new taxes, reduced electricity costs, and a continued focus on lowering the overall cost of living.
He noted that plans are already underway to significantly increase local food production, particularly in poultry, fish, and cash crop, to ensure that fresh, affordable, locally grown produce is always available.
Efforts to uplift women, the elderly, and young people are also central to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration’s agenda.
For women, taxes on personal health and hygiene items will be scrapped, and both day-care and night-care centres will be established to better support working mothers. Additional scholarships and employment opportunities are also being promised, alongside a strengthened campaign against domestic violence, which, the government says, must be eradicated without delay.
Elderly citizens can expect improved pensions, ex-
panded access to healthcare via mobile units and telemedicine, and an increase in residential care services, particularly in rural and remote regions.
Meanwhile, young people will benefit from wider access to vocational training, universal free education, and affordable housing schemes.
The government is also set to invest in sports infrastructure, including a state-of-the-art indoor stadium, a high-performance training centre, and a cycling velodrome aimed at nurturing future champions on the global stage.
Echoing a message of selfless service, President Ali said: “I draw from you, the people, and from my family reminds me daily that leadership is not a pursuit of self but a covenant of service.”
“It is not the benefit for a few, but for the upliftment of all. It is in that spirit that I have taken the oath of office,” he added, signalling a continuation of people-centred governance.
Dr. Ali acknowledged the weight of public expectations and the collective responsibility that lies ahead: “The hope for worries belongs at the centre of our work.”
He further asserted that
national development cannot rest on the shoulders of one individual or one administration.
“A mission cannot be the work of one man alone, nor of one party, nor even for one administration. It is the
collective work of a people bound together by destiny, and is only together as a people, united in vision and purpose.”
Underscoring the need for inclusive governance and collaboration across all sectors of society, President Ali said he is willing to work with all partners, including those in the opposition.
“This is why I stand prepared to join hands with all who cherish peace, uphold democracy and care deeply for our nation.
That includes not only the political parties represented in Parliament, but also our faith union, our private sector, our religious and cultural leaders, our youth, women’s organisation and our wider civil society.”
President Ali’s second-term vision is rooted in
service, national unity and practical economic relief.
“One Guyana is not a slogan. It is a lived ethic. Each of us is equal in dignity, Equal in opportunity, equal in respect to those who did not support me; know this: I am your president too,” he added.
The Guyanese Head of State further noted that cabinet members will soon be appointed, based on their competence, character and fidelity to serve the people.
“In the coming days, I shall announce my new Cabinet. I will also announce a wide range of other key appointments across the public sector to ensure the entire system is led by persons who are committed to delivering effective service to the Guyanese people,” President Ali said.
‘coming of age’ into Guyana’s rising development, the new four-lane bridge will serve thousands of commuters, who will now travel uninterrupted, eliminating the long wait times and bottlenecks that once plagued commuters using the aged Demerara Harbour Bridge.
“Let us remember that this bridge is financed not by chance, but by deliberate reinvestment of our natural resources… Oil revenues wisely managed are being converted into structures like this; projects that deliver benefits to every Guyanese,” the President said, adding:
“This bridge is proof that our resources are not squandered; they are reinvested into the long future of the people of our country. And so, my brothers and sisters, this bridge is your gift.”
The US$262 million structure which connects
Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica), according to President Ali, reflects a nation rising.
“We are not teetering at the edges of development; we’re reshaping the nation’s destiny with each bridge, each road, each school, and
hospital. We are weaving together the fabric of a modern Guyana, and the fabric will be unbreakable,” he said.
The President stressed that the new bridge symbolises Guyana’s transformation and readiness for the 21st Century.
The new thoroughfare, he added, marks only the beginning of several other massive projects aimed at easing traffic congestion and spurring growth in industrialisation, modernisation, and other investments.
‘CENTURY OF SERVICE’
Meanwhile, Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill, in his remarks, said the project reflects a story of resilience, patience, quiet endurance, and shared purpose.
Standing as more than just a magnificent structure, the New Demerara Bridge is a bold, decisive vision, Edghill stressed.
“To the families who reshaped their days around construction, who endured
the dust and disruption, thank you! To those who gave up their entire homes for this great case, I say thank you! Your patience and partnership built the foundation of this bridge,” the minister said to the mammoth gathering.
The bridge, engineered for a century of service, features four vehicular lanes, wide shoulders, and dedicated cycle and walkway lanes. Its foundations include 658 piles driven 400 feet deep into the riverbed.
It is a high-span, cable-stayed structure spanning 2,798 meters, with a 570-meter main span.
The project adheres to strict international best practices, with materials tested to the highest standards, and processes meeting ISO benchmarks.
“This engineering masterpiece is not only a marvel of design and durability, but also a symbol of progress, precision, and partnership. It stands as a proud testament to what can be achieved when visionary leadership, disci -
pline, execution, and global collaboration meet,” the Public Works Minister added.
Meanwhile, China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Yang Yang hailed the project as a milestone of regional significance.
She emphasised the bridge’s symbolic value not only as an engineering achievement, but as a catalyst for connectivity and economic growth across the region.
She also highlighted the collaborative spirit of the project, calling it a model of responsible international co-operation.
“Undoubtedly, this project is not only a bridge of steel and stone, but also a bridge of friendship between China and Guyana; a milestone in the high-quality Belt and Road co-operation we are building together,” Ambassador Yang said.
The project was undertaken by China Railway Construction Corporation International Limited, and was supervised by Politecnica.
President,
UNITED Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has commended Guyana on its robust and principled contribution in the Security Council.
Guyana is currently serving a two-year term (2024–2025) as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
The nation was elected to the Council in June 2023 by the UN General Assembly, and its term began on January 1, 2024. The country’s service will come to an end
in December of this year.
Secretary-General Guterres extended the commendations directly to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali during an engagement on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
The Secretary-General also congratulated President Ali on his recent election for a second term and wished him continued success in the fantastic progress happening in Guyana.
During the discussion,
they addressed developments in the region, including in the South Caribbean Sea. They also exchanged views on artificial intelligence, gender equality, and Guyana’s initiatives for forest and biodiversity conservation.
President Ali updated the Secretary General on the situation with Venezuela, in particular, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case on the border controversy which is expected to be heard in a few months.
must take the lead in building direct business relationships.
“Businesses need to chart their own course in building their markets, a process that requires knowledge, information, and partners and I believe that will be the focus of the World Trade Centre Georgetown, as we try to help Guyanese businesses to build their markets, grow their business, particularly at this time as a Guyanese economy is experiencing explosive growth,” he said.
President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Rafeek Khan, also praised the
launch, noting that the WTC Georgetown complements ongoing private-sector initiatives aimed at improving trade readiness and market access.
He said there remains a significant need for Guyanese businesses to strengthen their capacity in international trade negotiations and tackle non-tariff barriers both regionally and globally.
“This is where Mr Samaroo and the board of directors at the World Trade Centre [come in]— we’re going to be counting on you,” Khan said, adding, “We are honoured and privileged to have this capacity in Guy-
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ana, and we’re expecting great results.”
The World Trade Centre Georgetown now forms part of a global network of more than 300 WTCs worldwide, linking Guyanese enterprises to a dynamic ecosystem of international trade and investment partners.
The facility will serve as a hub for training, knowledge sharing, and networking, aimed at empowering local businesses to export, diversify, and scale operations beyond the domestic market, reinforcing Guyana’s emergence as a major player in global trade.
A NATIONAL website that makes contracts publicly accessible will be one of the steps taken by the government to improve transparency and efficiency within the procurement sector, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has said.
Dr. Jagdeo, who also serves as Guyana’s Vice-President, made this known during a press conference at Freedom House as he also pointed out that there will be other reforms.
“The advertisement will remain on the site for the entire duration of the tender period. People can now check procurement opportunities wherever they live, including Amerindian communities,” he said.
He highlighted that the first reform that the government is “aggressively pursuing,” was addressed by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali within his inaugural address, which is improving procurement.
“So, we want to make procurement fairer,” the Vice-President said, adding that the goal is to make procurement have certain carveouts for small contractors to be able to access all opportunities.
He said: “We want better quality work. We want a more transparent system of tendering. And so we are already working on this agenda. One of the first manifestations you will see next year is a procurement website that will now advertise contracts around the country.”
THE newly commissioned $930 million Tuschen Secondary School will not only serve 800 secondary students but will also transform into a branch of the University of Guyana’s College of Medical Sciences (CMS) in the evenings, providing aspiring health professionals in Region Three with access to training closer to home.
The announcement was made back in August by President Dr. Irfaan Ali during the commissioning of the state-of-the-art facility at Tuschen, Essequibo Islands–West Demerara.
The President explained that the UG medical branch will offer over 17 programmes in medicine and allied health sciences, giving residents from across the Essequibo and Demerara Rivers, and as far as Leguan, Wakenaam, Liberty and Hogg Island, the opportunity to pursue tertiary medical studies without having to travel to Georgetown.
Students enrolled under the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarships will also be accommodated at the new Tuschen facility in the evenings.
“We are careful planners. When we spoke about second jobs and giving tax breaks for second jobs, the senior doctors working at the hospital, senior nurses, and technicians here in Region Three will now have
their tax incentive in their second job, lecturing at the College of Medical Sciences,” President Ali said.
The President pointed out that UG has faced overwhelming demand for medical studies, noting that 206 students from Region Three applied this year, but only 86 were accepted at the Turkeyen campus due to space limitations.
The new Tuschen branch will absorb the remainder by year’s end.
“Whether you are from Leguan, Wakenaam, Liberty, Hogg Island, anywhere in the Essequibo River, anywhere in the Demerara River on the West Bank or West Coast, Region Three—you will have your own medical college.
“Your children will become pharmacists, doctors, medical technologists, nurses, everything in the medical field, studying right here on this soil of Region Three,” Dr. Ali said.
This development comes on the heels of Dr. Ali’s recent announcement that the existing West Demerara Regional Hospital, which is more than 75 years old, will be repurposed into a teaching institution once the new $11.4 billion modern hospital is completed.
