By Ubraj Narine- As the Ali-led government gathers today to commission the New Demerara River Bridge, we are reminded that this milestone stands as a testament to vision, perseverance, and continuity in national development.
The idea of bridging the Demerara River was not born overnightโit was first envisioned by the nationโsย ๐๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญย ๐๐ฑ๐๐๐ฎ๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ย ๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ข๐๐๐ง๐ญ,ย ๐ญ๐ก๐ย ๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐ย ๐๐ข๐ง๐๐๐งย ๐ ๐จ๐ซ๐๐๐ฌย ๐๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฌ๐จ๐งย ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ง๐ก๐๐ฆ, a leader whose foresight continues to shape Guyanaโs progress.
Inย ๐๐๐๐, President Burnham, founder of the Peopleโs National Congress (PNC), outlined a transformative blueprint for the nationโs transportation network under the โ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ฐ๐๐ฒย ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ก๐๐ฌย ๐ญ๐จย ๐๐๐จ๐ซ๐ ๐๐ญ๐จ๐ฐ๐งย ๐๐ง๐ย ๐๐๐ฐย ๐๐ฆ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ซ๐๐๐ฆย ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐ญย ๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ฌ.โ Among his forward-looking proposals were options for a high-level bridge, a low-level bridge, or even a sunken tube tunnelโeach designed to strengthen connectivity between the East and West Banks of the Demerara River and propel Guyanaโs economic growth.
At that time, the financial and technical resources to execute such a massive project were beyond the nationโs reach. In 1970, the Demerara ferry service carried 350 motor vehicles, 200 motorcycles, 1,150 bicycles, and 13,500 walk-on passengers daily. Projections showed these numbers would more than double by 1990โclearly highlighting the urgent need for improved river crossing infrastructure. Without a bridge, the country would have required additional ferries at great expense, each costing approximately G$2.5 million then.
Today, over five decades later, that vision has finally come to fruition under the Peopleโs Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, which has brought to life what was once a bold dream on paper. The New Demerara River Bridge represents not only the realisation of Burnhamโs vision but also the continuation of Guyanaโs journey toward modernisation.
This project is a symbol of what is possible when visionary ideas transcend time and political boundariesโreminding us that national development is a collective mission that belongs to every generation.
As Guyana commissions this modern marvel, we celebrate not only the infrastructure itself but also the enduring vision and dedication of those who dared to dream for the future of our nation.
Pt.Ubraj Narine, JP, COA
Former Staff Sgt.(GDF), Mayor
City of Georgetown
