Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d), the Honourable Mark Phillips commissioned 45 newly constructed concrete bridges spanning the Mabura to Lethem corridor this afternoon in Region Nine.
Speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the PM stated that the event underscores the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration’s unwavering vision—not only to bridge the infrastructural and developmental divide between the coastland and hinterland, but also to create a fully connected Guyana, where every region is recognised as a vital stakeholder in the country’s growth and prosperity.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips speaking at the commissioning
“We see this moment as a signal that the old days of division between Guyana’s coastland and hinterland are over. It is a declaration that development is for all, and it is a commitment to build, connect, and elevate every community and every one of our people’s futures in Guyana.”
The PM noted that the bridges will serve far more than transportation needs. He said that the 45 bridges are part of a broader national infrastructure programme designed to enhance economic opportunities, social integration, and access to essential services for hinterland communities.
“This initiative will develop our economic infrastructure, connecting businesses, schools, hospitals, farms, and families,” he said.
More than $12.9 billion is allocated for the corridor in 2025, while a total of $209 billion has been earmarked nationally to advance roads and bridges. Complementary projects underway across the country include the Linden to Mabura Hill Road, new bridges over the Corentyne, Berbice, and Demerara rivers, and major highways linking communities from Palmyra to Moleson Creek and Ogle to Eccles.
Inspecting a bridge prior to the commissioning
“These projects are the firm foundation of a fully connected Guyana,” PM Phillips affirmed. “We are bridging our future by creating access and opening up opportunities.”
He also emphasised the broader transformation taking place under the PPP/C Administration, citing Guyana’s record-breaking gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 43.6 per cent in 2024, alongside a 13.1 per cent expansion in the non-oil economy—results attributed to intentional policy measures and governance focused on the needs of the population.
“We are seeing the effects already—Guyana is now among the fastest-growing economies on Earth. But we’re not letting that growth pass by our people—it is reaching them through roads, homes, jobs, and better wages.”
Prime Minister Phillips and Public Works Minister Juan Edghill at the ribbon cutting ceremony, along with regional officials, engineers, community leaders and residents
In reinforcing the ruling administration’s commitment to inclusive development, the PM also pointed to major investments in Amerindian communities, including the disbursement of over $9.5 billion from carbon credit revenues to fund more than 800 locally-driven projects.
“Regardless of where you live in this country, every child deserves the same chance, every business must have the same access, and every family must have the same hope.”
He also credited the leadership of His Excellency, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, for prioritising infrastructure development as a tool for sustainability, job creation, and national transformation.
“In every region, our promises are all coming to fruition. This is progress with purpose and as we move forward, we are ensuring that no one is left behind.”
The commissioning was attended by regional officials, engineers, community leaders and residents.
