As anticipated, the Takutu Bridge is proving to be a stimulant to trade and investment in Region 9, an area which has tremendous potential for economic and industrial development. This has been confirmed by the President of the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI), John Macedo who disclosed that with the advent of the bridge there has been a rise in trade and an increased number of visitors to the region.
He told this newspaper: “Certainly, there is a rise in trade and the community is seeing more visitors, not only from Brazil but all over coastal Guyana, the Caribbean and other places.
“And lots of people are looking at what they can get involved with and we are projecting to see a minimum of maybe $2 billion invested in the commercial zone over the next two years,” Macedo stated.
He noted also that already, works costing in excess of $100M have begun and two premises were completed since the allocation of the lots in the commercial zone.
“We are hoping that, simultaneously with the Easter rodeo, we can have an opening,” he offered.
He said the private sector has always been working in close collaboration with the Government and President Bharrat Jagdeo, who is determined to work hand in hand with it, was very instrumental in having the commercial zone move ahead.
Macedo said, notwithstanding some challenges faced, some funds have been earmarked to get the infrastructure there, as well.
He pointed out that electricity supply is another huge problem but added: “We hope that we can cross those hurdles and we will definitely need to see the situation improved but I must also say that there are some steps to put it in place.”
This is good news for the people of Region 9 and for that matter for all Guyanese because with such a huge investment expected over the next two years employment opportunities and economic and commercial activities would be significantly boosted and should result in improving the standard of living for the community.
According to Mr. Macedo the RCCI continues to advocate for the good of Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) and a lot of things are happening.
He declared: “Lethem has gone forward a great deal and we, in the RCCI, recognise that we are at a very crucial junction and we can’t sit back.
“…we have been exploiting that to the best we could and I must say that the Government is giving us 100 per cent cooperation.”
It is also worthwhile to note that last week, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad said 55 more new businesses will be opened in the Lethem commercial zone.
He said a few new hotels are going to be built and one is almost completed while government has earmarked $75M to improve facilities at Lethem Industrial Estate this year.
The current visit by a high-powered Brazilian business team also is evidence to further support Mr. Macedo’s assertion that “things are happening in the Region.
Credit must be given to the government for laying the groundwork and creating the enabling environment for these positive developments in the region and a further demonstration that it is focused on developing all regions of Guyana. It was because of the vision of the government the Takutu Bridge and industrial zone became a reality. Had it not been for some internal matters pertaining to the Brazilian government the Takutu Bridge would have been completed much earlier and by now the region would probably have been steaming with economic, commercial and industrial activities. Nevertheless, from what we have been seeing recently there is the likelihood that not long from now this would happen.
But there are still some in our midst who continuously rant that nothing positive and good is happening in this country. One of those pessimists is even claiming that this government is an elected dictatorship and is moving towards fascism. However, there is no need to worry because the overwhelming majority of people in this country are optimists and have a view which is opposite to that of the few cynics who are engrossed in painting a negative image of the country they live in. It is like living in a glass house and throwing stones at it.
One former Leader of the Opposition had even predicted that this government would fall within two years but today nearly eighteen years after it is still solidly in government. And this is because the majority of people in this country are convinced that it is working in the interest of the country and for improvement of the welfare of all Guyanese.