REGION Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) is experiencing a surge of development, with thousands of house lots allocated, new jobs created, billions invested in infrastructure, and major upgrades to health and education facilities.

Residents are reaping the benefits of new economic opportunities, with hundreds now earning more as contractors. Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo highlighted this positive shift, noting that the region had endured severe hardships under the previous government.

At a recent press conference, he contrasted the unprecedented transformation with what he described as years of stagnation under the former A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) administration. He recalled that the region once struggled with a dormant housing sector, massive unemployment, and the neglect of traditional industries such as bauxite.

“In two years alone, we’ve spent $18 billion on roads in that region. And guess who are doing the roads? Like this year alone, 700 contractors from that region, many small people and most Afro-Guyanese who are earning now by becoming a contractor,” he said.

He further pointed to the major infrastructure upgrades in the region. Coupled with the ongoing upgrade of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, Region 10 is becoming a hive of economic activity. The region is also seeing new schools and a $30 million injection to upgrade the regional hospital.

“And we’ve had really three years to do this because two years we lost to COVID,” Dr. Jagdeo said.

Aside from the policies and programmes, the Vice President pointed out that President Dr. Irfaan Ali and other government officials have consistently visited the region to engage with the people.

“People will support those who have their best interests at heart, and you can’t play the race card every single time,” he said, responding to opposition criticisms of the recent PPP/C rally held in Region 10, adding: “At some point in time, it’s not effective anymore, because people see through you. So, this is what their campaign is about. All negative, and then some unrealistic promises that they keep making to people. They have no experience in managing a government, and none of the top leaders. So, that’s the main opposition party for you.”

Last Sunday, President Ali pledged development and prosperity to residents of Region 10, when he addressed a massive crowd at Lieu-Ken-Pen Square, Wismar, that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has a plan already in motion to transform the region’s economic and infrastructural landscape.

President Ali unveiled plans for long-overdue improvements to Region Ten’s drainage and irrigation systems. The initiative, he said, will significantly reduce flooding in vulnerable low-lying areas such as Wismar and Mackenzie.
The planned drainage system overhaul is expected to dramatically reduce flooding in low-lying areas of the region, a persistent challenge for communities in Wismar and Mackenzie.

Additionally, the Linden airstrip will be upgraded and modernised, creating a launchpad for expanded domestic tourism, increased connectivity, and commercial activity. According to the President, this aligns with the broader vision to position the region as a major economic hub.

This will be further complemented with special tourism incentives to generate more opportunities. Ultimately, the aim is to invest extensively in the region’s productive capacity. The government, he said, will inject billions into community-driven infrastructure by hiring local contractors to build concrete drains, an effort to stimulate both employment and small business growth.

Meanwhile, to enhance the region’s economic prospects, the government will be upgrading the Linden airstrip, making it into a regional hub in tandem with plans to expand tourism, which will rightfully place the region as a hub for massive opportunities.

Crucially, Ali made it clear that the development plan is not limited to Linden’s urban centre. Every village in Region Ten, he said, has been assessed and its priorities identified. From road development to mobile financial services, he affirmed that Region Ten will see the delivery of the commitments being made.