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 overnight—it was first envisioned by the nation’s 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐛𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐦, a leader whose foresight continues to shape Guyana’s progress.
In 𝟏𝟗𝟕𝟎, President Burnham, founder of the People’s National Congress (PNC), outlined a transformative blueprint for the nation’s transportation network under the “𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐀𝐦𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐦 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐬.” Among his forward-looking proposals were options for a high-level bridge, a low-level bridge, or even a sunken tube tunnel—each designed to strengthen connectivity between the East and West Banks of the Demerara River and propel Guyana’s economic growth.
At that time, the financial and technical resources to execute such a massive project were beyond the nation’s 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 1990—clearly 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 People’s 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 Burnham’s vision but also the continuation of Guyana’s journey toward modernisation.
This project is a symbol of what is possible when visionary ideas transcend time and political boundaries—reminding 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
