REGION Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) is on the cusp of a transformative era, marked by the recent commissioning of the Schoonord to Crane four-lane highway.
The commissioning of this modern roadway, described as a “game-changer” by Halim Khan, Head of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc), signals a new dawn for economic growth, reduced congestion, and enhanced connectivity.
Khan emphasised the highway’s profound benefits for the region, particularly for farmers and business owners who have long been hampered by traffic congestion.

“This new highway will benefit everyone and cut down time lost in traffic. It’s especially advantageous for our farmers and businesspeople who are often caught up in traffic while transporting goods,” Khan noted.
He expressed optimism that the highway would place dollars back into the pockets of Region Three residents by streamlining transportation and reducing costs.
The highway, which spans 4.1 kilometres and includes dual carriageways, medians, an emergency lane, and two roundabouts, is the first phase of a broader initiative to connect Crane to Parika, and eventually Parika to Del Conte. This expansion is poised to unlock vast tracts of land for residential and commercial development, further boosting the region’s burgeoning economy and tourism potential.

HONOURING PRESIDENT ALI’S VISION AND COMMITMENT
In a gesture of gratitude and recognition, Khan proposed that the first roundabout at Crane be named the “Dr. Irfaan Ali Roundabout,” in honour of President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s unwavering commitment to the development of Region Three.
“The residents and private sector fully support this,” Khan said. “We would also like to have a plaque in his honour, detailing the President’s journey since coming into office.” Khan’s proposal reflects the collective sentiment of appreciation felt by the community towards President Ali’s vision and leadership.

President Ali, speaking at the recent commissioning ceremony, highlighted the strategic significance of the new highway.
He underscored how this project aligns with the government’s larger vision to position Guyana as a major transportation and logistics hub. “The value creation that you see in this region did not happen by accident. It happened by a carefully articulated vision,” he stated, emphasising the government’s commitment to hard work and sustained investment.

The new highway is part of a series of monumental infrastructural projects aimed at improving connectivity and fostering economic growth across Guyana. The US$260 million Demerara River Bridge, expected to be completed next year, will further alleviate traffic congestion and enhance connectivity between Region Three and Region Four. Upon completion, there will be no toll to cross the new Demerara River crossing, Berbice River Bridge or the new Wismar-Mackenzie bridge.
Additionally, projects such as the bridge connecting Wismar to Mackenzie in Region 10 and ongoing discussions to acquire the Berbice Bridge, aim to ensure that communities across Guyana are well connected and thriving.

President Ali’s administration has been lauded for its unprecedented investment in Region Three. Over the last four years, the government has spent $28 billion on improving community roads and $65 billion on housing—expenditures that far exceed those of the previous administration. These investments have not only improved infrastructure, but have also significantly increased property values and stimulated economic activity in the region.
Khan explained that as the new Schoonord to Crane highway opens up more opportunities for residents and businesses, the future of Region Three looks brighter than ever. With enhanced infrastructure, greater connectivity, and a strong vision for development, Region Three is well on its way to becoming a thriving hub of economic activities and growth.

The R3PSInc Head and the private sector stand ready to support the government’s initiatives, ensuring that Region Three continues to benefit from these transformative developments. “We are here to work alongside the government, to build on these achievements, and to ensure that the region reaches its full potential,” Khan concluded.