9,999 vehicle registrations in 3 months a sign of prosperity – Jagdeo
…Region 2 road to widen by 8ft amid surge in vehicle ownership
With an unprecedented rise in vehicle ownership sweeping the country, the Government of Guyana has announced plans to widen Region Two’s main road by eight feet, a move aimed at easing growing traffic congestion and keeping pace with rapid development.
Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo made the announcement during his weekly press conference on Thursday, revealing that the PAL vehicle registration series has already begun—just three months after the previous series ended—marking 9,999 new vehicles registered between February and early June.
The roadway at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast
“In Region 2, we plan to widen the current road by eight feet and repave it, because the population there – that would be adequate from our estimation to serve the population there. But those are just some plans, and those might not even be adequate.”
“This tells a powerful story,” Jagdeo emphasized. “In just three months, over 9,999 vehicles have been added to our roads. That’s nearly 40,000 new vehicles projected annually. If this is not a sign of prosperity or progress, then nothing is.”
According to Jagdeo, the expansion of the Region Two main access road is among other infrastructural works ongoing to facilitate influx of vehicles being imported into the country.
“We plan already, you know about the plans to continue the four-lane all the way to the airport, to complete the four-lane along in Region 4, from Georgetown to Mahaica. In the next term, to award a four-lane from Mahaica contract for four-lane road from Mahaica to Rosignol. Then the bridge would be awarded. We already went out to tender for the bridge, similar to the one that’s being built here in Georgetown. That would be completed. We’ve already awarded contracts for the four-lane road from New Amsterdam all the way to Moleson Creek,” the Vice President said.
Additionally, he stressed that the explosion in vehicle registrations isn’t just among the wealthy. “A lot of ordinary Guyanese are acquiring more assets, and that speaks volumes about economic growth and opportunity under our government.”
Jagdeo also slammed the Opposition for what he described as “short-sighted” policies that oppose infrastructure investment. “Imagine if we had adopted the Opposition’s approach, where all oil money is just distributed and nothing is built. They say we’re spending too much on roads—but who’s going to drive all these new vehicles if the roads are inadequate?”
He further explained that congestion is already affecting everyone, himself included: “Even with a siren, I was stuck near the National Library this morning. Every Guyanese is experiencing this.”
The Vice President emphasized that the Opposition’s argument—that people “can’t eat roads”—misses the point. “People may not eat roads, but they drive on them every day. Roads are critical to economic activity, access to jobs, and quality of life.”
As vehicle ownership accelerates, the government’s proactive strategy is centered not just on expansion but smart, long-term planning. “We are not just responding to today’s numbers,” Jagdeo said. “We’re building the foundation for the next 50 years.”
With the PAL vehicle series already fully registered, the need for accelerated infrastructure development is clear—and the government appears resolute in ensuring the road network keeps up with Guyana’s rapid transformation.