–     says it’s a ‘A true investment in people’s prosperity, One Guyana’

HEAD of the Region Three Private Sector Inc. (R3PSInc.), Halim Khan, has lauded President Dr. Irfaan Ali for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to making life easier for Guyanese citizens, as the country ushers in toll-free travel across its three main river bridges.

From midnight on Thursday, motorists crossing the Mackenzie/Wismar, Berbice, and Demerara River Bridges will no longer pay tolls, a promise first announced by President Ali last year and reaffirmed in March during his address at Babu John, Berbice, to honour the life and legacy of Dr. Cheddi Jagan.

“This historic move demonstrates President Ali’s dedication to genuine, people-centred development,” Khan said. “By removing tolls on these key crossings, thousands of Guyanese families and businesses will benefit directly from reduced transportation costs. This is money back in their pockets, which they can now spend on other essential needs.”

Previously, citizens paid $1,900 to cross the Berbice Bridge by car, $200 for the Demerara River Bridge, and $60 to traverse the Wismar Bridge in Linden, costs that quickly add up for daily commuters and businesses alike. The removal of these charges is expected to ease financial burdens, enhance mobility, and boost economic activity across Regions Three, Four, Six, and Ten.

Khan highlighted that this bold initiative is only one aspect of a broader national infrastructure push. Major works are advancing on the New Demerara River Bridge, a transformative 2.65-kilometre, four-lane structure that will modernise connectivity between East and West Demerara. Similarly, construction continues on the new four-lane Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge in Linden, designed to improve traffic flow and support industrial growth in the hinterland region.

“President Ali understands that modern roads and bridges are not just about concrete and steel, they are about connecting people to opportunity, creating jobs, and stimulating trade,” Khan added. “He is delivering on promises that were never even campaign commitments, proof that his government’s development vision goes beyond politics and is anchored in tangible, everyday benefits for citizens.”

The Head of R3PSInc. further noted that with the removal of tolls and the construction of new highways and bridges, businesses in Region Three and across Guyana are better positioned to expand inter-regional trade, access new markets, and lower transportation costs for goods and services.

“This is real investment in our country’s future,” Khan said. “On behalf of the Region Three Private Sector Inc., I commend His Excellency and his government for putting people first and for showing that development is about consistent, tireless work to uplift every Guyanese, not just during an election season but every single day.”

Khan urged all citizens to take advantage of these new opportunities and continue working together with the government to ensure that Guyana’s infrastructure keeps pace with its rapid economic transformation.

As President Ali himself put it: “Life and development is not about a seasonal gift; it’s about hard, tireless work. It’s never opportunistic; it’s about full commitment.”

Further Khan explained that such a commitment is part of a shared prosperity and “One Guyana” which is a national vision and unifying philosophy to foster social cohesion, national unity, inclusivity, and equal opportunity for all Guyanese, regardless of race, religion, geographic location, or economic status.