Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, said Region Three is the fastest growing administrative region in the country. President Irfaan Ali is from Region Three and has his residence in Leonora, West Coast Demerara, an Estate Mansion he acquired from the state when he was minister of housing.
Bharrat in his boast during the Budget Debates yesterday, made mention of the launch of Phase 1 of Port of Vreed-en-Hoop last Saturday.
Unashamedly, the minister told the National Assembly “This project could have been easily sited on the other side of the river in Region 4, but through the President’s vision and leadership and guidance, today we are on the other side of the river, in the region that is considered to be the fastest growing region in Guyana, both in population and economic development,” the Minister stated.
The minister proceeded to name several projects, including the new Demerara River Crossing and Gas-to-Energy, that will have catalytic impacts on the region.
Major projects that will tremendously impact Region Three include:
Port of Vreed-en-Hoop
The first phase of the Port of Vreed-en-Hoop was launched last Saturday. It includes an offshore support base and an industrial fabrication facility. The project was pursued to provide support for ExxonMobil’s offshore operations, but is also expected to provide some relief in shipping costs. The project may be the biggest manifestation of local content since oil was discovered, given the magnitude of the investments made by Guyanese businessmen. It is also providing employment for the region’s residents.
New Parika Stelling
The village of Parika will benefit from a new stelling. The stelling is expected to feature direct export capabilities for agricultural produce to the Caribbean, cold storage management, docking for yachts, improved facilities for leisure and commercial travel, and streamlined immigration processes, according to Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill. The stelling will create jobs and boost the regional economy.
Schoonord to Crane Highway
A $15.1 billion highway from Schoonord to Crane. The 4.1 kilometers of dual-carriageway road, medians and two roundabouts beautify the region and boost economic potential. It cuts travel time for travellers who would traditionally go through Vreed-en-Hoop on their journeys.
New De Kinderen Regional Hospital
Late last year, the President announced that Region Three will have a new hospital at De Kinderen. According to the Ministry of Health, the hospital will have approximately 75 in-patient beds, two advanced operating theatres, a minor theatre, and a fully equipped imaging suite featuring digital X-rays, ultrasound, and CT scans. It will also house modern accident and emergency as well as outpatient departments. The $6.6 billion project is being executed by China National Pharmaceutical Group Corporation.
15,000 house lots
President Irfaan Ali said last year that the government is targeting the allocation of 15,000 house lots in Region Three.
Gas-to-Energy project
Expected to start operations this year, the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) project will allow the government to slash the cost of power by 50% by using Guyana’s own natural gas as feedstock. Guyana borrowed US$527 Million from United States EXIM Bank but is expected to repay a whooping US$316.2 Million, making it a US$843 Million borrowed.
Like the previous U.S$588 Million Amailia Falls, US$250 Skeldon Factory, etc, that were expected to deliver cheaper electricity and improve sugar output, the GtE is expected to produce cheap natural gas liquids (NGL), boosting the performance of the regional economy.
The project, being constructed on a special industrial site, is also employing residents during this phase. It is the most transformative project in Guyana’s history, Minister Bharrat has said.
Region Three’s designation as the fastest-growing region in Guyana is backed by tangible projects all aimed at boosting economic output and improving living standards. These investments reflect a deliberate strategy to decentralize development and ensure long-term sustainable growth.
