– Region Nine Chairman
THE Lethem community in Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), is enthusiastic about the much-anticipated official opening of the Takutu River Bridge that links Guyana with neighbouring Brazil.

The historic linkage is expected to offer a multiplicity of opportunities for citizens of both countries, including an economic and commercial take-off for Lethem.

However, during an interview with the Guyana Chronicle in his Lethem Office, Region Nine Chairman Mr. Clarindo Lucas admitted that there are mixed feelings among some who feel they have not been properly consulted.

He said, despite a number of meetings in Region Nine, particularly in Lethem, involving the Administration and business owners, there are going to be challenges.

“But all in all, I think Region Nine is actually ecstatic to see exactly what is going to come out of this whole development,” Lucas stated.

He said it is necessary for the Administration to further ensure that the population is advised properly on, among other things, the logistics, such as what documentation is required at the checkpoints.

Lucas pointed out that people in Lethem can actually go across to Bon Fin without any kind of proper checking.

All they have to say is that they are heading over to Bon Fin and those from the latter that they are going to Lethem.

“…we have that kind of understanding but further, outside of the defined area, you have to pass through the process of being properly checked and such,” he explained.

Lucas said he hoped the bridge would see some kind of a new development on both sides of the border.

He said better infrastructure has to be provided in Lethem, including electricity supply and roads, on which work is already being done to pave some, among them the bridge approach.

Lucas said he understands that there is some money for that and when it is completed, the region is sure to be on the right track.

He said businesses are gearing to expand and suggested that the Commercial Zone as well as the Industrial Estate should be addressed as soon as possible.

“The later we take the necessary steps, Brazil will challenge us with a bigger economy and, if we are not careful, then business would be attracted over there. I am hoping that we can be pro-active enough,” Lucas said.

He said, with its picturesque and beautiful natural surroundings, the Rupununi area has great potential for tourism.

PACKAGE
Elaborating on that, Lucas said: “We have what we call Rupununi Community Tourism Association and they are working on a package.”

He said it was felt that there are too many small arrangements and it was decided that the community should put together two big tourism projects to attract and cater for the increased influx of tourists.

“What needs to happen is that we need to have a training programme to ensure that facilities that we have are proper and acceptable…the hospitality behaviour of our staff and food preparation and such to make up that package,” Lucas said.

Meanwhile, the Government Information Agency (GINA) said Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett reiterated that the Guyana Government is seeking to ensure that the opening, to vehicular traffic, of the Guyana side of the Takutu Bridge does not impose economic hardships on residents of Lethem.

She said there may be some issues that would need to be addressed if persons were importing or exporting goods between Guyana and Brazil without paying taxes.

Prior to the opening of the Bon Fin facility, people purchased supplies for both business and personal use from Brazil and would transport the merchandise across to Lethem without paying taxes.

She said tax-related questions on Guyana side have already been addressed and certain arrangements would be implemented upon completion of the multi-purpose centre at Lethem, as Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has set guidelines with regards to the tax system in Lethem.

The centre is expected to be operational by the end of June and, according to Minister Rodrigues-Birkett, her ministry is working, in collaboration with the Ministries of Public Works, Agriculture and Home Affairs, GRA and other agencies, to make sure that all arrangements are being made to accommodate the opening of the Guyana side of the bridge.

Meanwhile, President Jagdeo on June 5 met with a team of Lethem businessmen to discuss issues relating to the business community in the area.

The team included past president of the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce, Daniel Gajie, who disclosed that several issues were discussed including the development of the commercial and industrial areas in Lethem.

“With the impending opening and use of the Takutu river bridge, there will be great movement of goods, vehicles and people between Lethem and Brazil. The bridge will allow us to export Guyana’s products for the first time to North Roraima (in Brazil) initially and then further south into Brazil. This will allow a lot of products that we only had markets for in North America and Europe. These products will now be exported into Brazil generating income for the manufacturers and the persons here in Georgetown,” he said.

Gajie said development of the commercial area which encompasses about 67 plots started about three years ago and is spearheaded by the National Competitiveness Council (NCC).

There is also another area of about 70 acres that is targeted for industrial development and this venture is being undertaken by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce

The meeting also focused on possibilities that would allow easier export and the prospect of attaining essential utilities including electricity, water and proper roads. The meeting also explored investment possibilities and shared other ideas that would assist in the further development of Lethem.

The Takutu Bridge linking Guyana with its southern neighbour Brazil is not yet open to traffic, and will not be, until all necessary systems are in place in both Guyana and Brazil.

Government is continuing to work towards the necessary inputs for the opening ceremony of the bridge, the inauguration of which will be scheduled when both President Bharrat Jagdeo and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva are available.

The Takutu Bridge is 14 metres wide across the Takutu River and built of reinforced concrete with pedestrian walkways.