THE commissioning of the US$262 million Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge reflects the vision that has driven Guyana from economic recovery to significant prosperity.

President, Dr Irfaan Ali’s choice to name this impressive structure after Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo goes beyond a mere ceremony. It acknowledges the person responsible for Guyana’s modern development journey.

This bridge is a tangible result of the strategic governance that began during Dr Jagdeo’s presidency. Under his leadership, Guyana moved from years of economic stagnation to five straight years of strong growth.

His administration nearly cut external debt in half and tripled reserves, laying the groundwork for today’s oil boom, which is expected to generate significant revenues for Guyana.

The smooth shift from recovery to transformation shows the ongoing vision shared between Jagdeo’s foundational work and Ali’s current accomplishments.

President Ali’s statement that this infrastructure “signals that Guyana is ready to industrialise, modernise, and claim its space in the 21st century” aligns with the reinvestment approach that began during Jagdeo’s time.

The bridge operates toll-free and is accessible 24/7. It will save commuters GY$3.5 billion annually, illustrating how oil revenues are turned into lasting benefits for all Guyanese.

This method reflects Jagdeo’s focus on inclusive growth and sustainable economic change.

The timing of this commissioning, as Guyana continues to be the world’s fastest-growing economy with a 44 per cent GDP growth in 2024, underscores the long-term planning that marked Jagdeo’s leadership.

His commitment to investments in social services, housing, and transport infrastructure created the framework that allows today’s government to effectively manage oil wealth.

By naming this important bridge after Jagdeo, President Ali has established a lasting symbol of how visionary leadership can connect different periods of development.

The bridge links not only the east and west banks of the Demerara River, but also Guyana’s past successes with its vast future potential.

This bridge will stand for a century as a testament to the lasting impact of leaders who recognise that true development needs both immediate support for citizens and long-term investments in national progress.