• says Dr. Ramsammy in endorsement

PROMINENT Guyanese politician and public health advocate, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, has publicly voiced his support for naming Guyana’s newly commissioned Demerara River Bridge after former President Bharat Jagdeo, calling the decision “the right thing to do.”

Dr. Ramsammy described the bridge as “a symbol of the new Guyana” and highlighted October 5th—the day of the bridge’s commissioning—as one of the most significant dates in Guyanese history.

He noted that October 5th marks milestones such as the restoration of democracy in 1992 and historical political events dating back to the 1950s, underscoring the day’s importance for national reflection.

Dr. Ramsammy praised President Irfaan Ali’s decision, emphasising that Bharat Jagdeo’s legacy in infrastructure, public service, and international leadership makes him a deserving honoree.

“Commentary welcomes the naming of the new Demerara River Bridge after a famous and deserving Guyanese. We congratulate the President on being decisive on this matter,” Dr. Ramsammy said.

He highlighted Jagdeo’s extensive contributions, including serving as Guyana’s youngest-ever Minister of Finance, youngest President, and a global advocate recognised as a “Champion of the Earth” by the UN in 2010.

Dr. Ramsammy also pointed to Jagdeo’s leadership in modernising Guyana’s infrastructure—overseeing the Berbice River Bridge, Mahaica and Mahaicony bridges, Hope Canal Bridge, and other critical projects—as well as advancing education, health, and economic policies.

According to Dr. Ramsammy, naming infrastructure after distinguished Guyanese has a strong precedent in the country, citing examples such as the Arthur Chung National Conference Centre, Cheddi Jagan International Airport, and streets and parks honouring Forbes Burnham and Cheddi Jagan. He encouraged further recognition of notable Guyanese across sectors, including sports and culture.

Dr. Ramsammy underscored that the Bharat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, at $262 million and spanning 2.65 kilometers with a 50-meter height, represents a landmark achievement for Guyana and CARICOM. He stated that the bridge’s commissioning alongside the historical significance of October 5th marks a dual milestone for the nation.

“This is, to date, the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken in Guyana and the first high-span, cable-stayed bridge in the CARICOM region,” Dr. Ramsammy noted. “For the next 100 years, we will celebrate also the Bharat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge.”

Dr. Ramsammy’s endorsement comes amid public discussion on the appropriateness of naming national infrastructure after contemporary leaders, framing the move as a recognition of merit and service rather than partisan politics.