The Governments of Guyana and Brazil have committed to the completion of the ongoing road link between the two countries. This was disclosed on Friday when Foreign Affairs Minister, Hugh Todd met with Ambassador of Brazil Maria Clara Duclos Carisio.
Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd and Brazil Ambassador Maria Clara Duclos Carisio share a photo moment during Friday’s meet
During the engagement, Ambassador Carisio related that Brazil’s Economy Minister, Paulo Guedes, has also publicly expressed his eagerness in the project to extend the road to Georgetown. For his part, Minister Todd expressed gratitude for Brazil’s continued support and cooperation with Guyana.
He noted that the infrastructural project to connect the Lethem to the coast by road would be of mutual benefit to both countries. Brazil’s Ambassador said that her country’s President Jair Bolsonaro expressed interest in the ongoing dialogue between the two countries and, through that engagement, expanding the agenda on cooperation.
Guyana and Brazil have long been in talks about the road link between the two countries which can open endless economic opportunities. The project is being funded by the United Kingdom Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (UKCIF) and is being administered by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).
The journey from Lethem to Georgetown takes as many as 13 hours depending on the state of the road. It has recently become impassable. Once paved, the projection is that the trip will take no more than five hours.
Meanwhile, Minister Todd expressed that Guyana is pleased to have Brazil as a neighbour.
“We are happy to have Brazil as a neighbour. The kind-hearted nature of Brazilians is on display as the country continues to support its neighbours during this pandemic. We look to Brazil’s leadership in terms of protecting territorial sovereignty and integrity,” Todd said.
Further, Ambassador Carisio and Foreign Minister Todd also agreed to further explore cooperation in trade, health, and technical cooperation, among other areas. The Brazilian Ambassador also congratulated Minister Todd on his recent appointment. Guyana and Brazil established diplomatic relations on August 26, 1968.
