– dismisses AFC objections to construction of new Berbice River Bridge
– accuses APNU+AFC of ‘fighting down’ development

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali has called out the opposition A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC), accusing them of attempting to stymie the nation’s development, while dismissing their objections to the construction of a new Berbice River Bridge.
The President’s comments came during a discussion with Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond on Tuesday, while highlighting the People’s Progressive Party/Civic-led government’s ongoing development initiatives.
HYPOCRISY AND SABOTAGE

President Ali did not hold back in his criticism of the opposition, especially the AFC, labelling their recent objections to the new Berbice River Bridge project as “hypocritical.”
The proposed new Berbice River Bridge, similar to the Demerara Harbour Bridge, is set to improve connectivity between Berbice and Demerara and is expected to facilitate transportation and trade, supporting regional development.
“Look at the hypocrites that we have in the AFC,” President Ali said, referencing the opposition actions to “fighting down” development, especially in Region Six.

He recounted the closure of sugar estates during the APNU+AFC administration, which led to the loss of nearly 8,000 jobs in Region Six alone.
“They shut down all the sugar estates… most of whom are from Region Six. Outside of that, tens of thousands of people lost their jobs indirectly,” he said.
He condemned the opposition for now questioning the feasibility of the Berbice Bridge project, likening their approach to the past when they “killed” the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP), a project that could have halved energy costs in the country.
“And today, these same people, it’s not a feasibility study that they want for the Berbice Bridge. Again, just like they killed the hydro,” he said, highlighting that the opposition has consistently tried to block developmental projects.

The AFHP programme was shelved following the APNU+AFC taking office in 2015; however, the PPP/C administration since entering office in 2020 has sought to breathe new life into the 165MW project, as the party strives to achieve energy security through an energy mix.
“Today we would have had hydro, clean energy, and the cost of energy would have been half of what it is today. They killed that,” Ali lamented.
President Ali highlighted the PPP/C’s commitment to infrastructural development across all regions, not just in specific areas.

He noted the government’s efforts to improve connectivity and infrastructure in places such as Linden and Kwakwani, mentioning ongoing and future projects such as the Wismar Bridge and the Corentyne River Bridge.
“Any investment we’re doing, the Wismar Bridge, the Berbice Bridge, the Demerara Bridge, we’re looking now at bridging the Kwakwani River,” Ali said, listing various projects aimed at expanding production and improving efficiency.
Also pointed to ongoing and planned investments, such as the Corentyne River Bridge, the gas-to-energy project, and the new industrial zone in Palmyra, as part of his government’s broader strategy to transform Region Six to build back what was taken away by the APNU+AFC.
The President contrasted the PPP/C’s approach to development with the opposition’s, recalling his own experiences during the APNU+AFC administration.
He recounted how the APNU+AFC when in power, dismissed the need for socioeconomic studies before closing the sugar estates, an action that devastated many communities.
“That was how they viewed 10,000 jobs—as a burden on the state, as a burden on the people,” Ali said, criticising the opposition’s lack of foresight and planning.

 VISION FOR A PROSPEROUS GUYANA
The President was adamant that the new Berbice River Bridge would be completed despite the opposition’s resistance.
He assured the public that the project would bring significant benefits, including increased trade, job creation, and overall economic competitiveness.
“We want prosperity to come to every single home. We want every single family in Guyana to enjoy the beauty of living in Guyana and enjoy the beauty of the improved economic and social conditions of our country,” Ali asserted.
Minister Mustapha backed the President’s sentiments, highlighting the extensive investments being made in agriculture and infrastructure, particularly in hinterland communities.
He noted that over the last four years, more than $4.5 billion had been spent on agricultural projects, transforming the sector and boosting food security.
Mustapha also pointed out that under the APNU+AFC administration, Guyana had lost its leadership position in regional food security, a status that has since been reclaimed under the current government.
“Today, the entire Caribbean is looking to Guyana for that leadership in food security,” Mustapha said, underscoring the government’s achievements.
Meanwhile, Minister Walrond added her voice to the discussion, criticising the APNU+AFC for its lack of vision and failure to initiate any significant development projects during its tenure.
She argued that the coalition’s strategy has always been to block the PPP/C’s initiatives rather than proposing their own ideas.

“For five years, nothing happened. Guyana became a dead nation,” Walrond stated, highlighting the stagnation that occurred under the previous government.
She also addressed the significant strides made in the tourism sector, noting that since 2020, visitor arrivals have been consistently increasing, breaking records every year.
This growth, she said, directly results from the government’s strategic efforts to diversify Guyana’s tourism offerings and promote the country as a prime destination.
“People are coming to Guyana, and they’re staying a longer time, and they’re spending their dollars,” Walrond explained, detailing how the development of tourism products and experiences across various regions are benefiting local communities economically.
Against this backdrop, President Ali reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that every region in Guyana benefits from the country’s development.
The Head of State stressed that the PPP/C administration is focused on building a prosperous future for all Guyanese, regardless of the opposition’s efforts to undermine their progress.
“We will continue to do so because we want all of Guyana to prosper,” Ali declared, reaffirming his vision for a united and thriving nation.
He warned the opposition that their attempts to block progress would not succeed.

Instead, the PPP/C government will push forward with its development agenda, ensuring that Guyana continues on its path of growth and prosperity.
Under President Ali, Guyana has prioritised extensive infrastructural development, leveraging oil revenues to enhance public services.
The 2024 budget allocates over $1.1 trillion GYD, with significant investments in roads ($204.1 billion GYD), healthcare ($129.8 billion GYD), and housing ($78 billion GYD) aimed at improving living standards and fostering economic growth.
Key projects include the Linden-Mabura Hill Road and 45 new bridges to boost connectivity and trade.
This focus aims to create jobs, reduce poverty, and position Guyana as a competitive player in the Caribbean market.