Dear Editor,
With much fanfare surrounding the renaming and dedication of the New Demerara Harbour Bridge, I am fully cognisant that the long anticipation of this project’s completion has finally ended for all Guyanese who utilise the bridge daily or occasionally. I am indeed delighted to witness the realisation of a fixed bridge in my lifetime—one that will drastically reduce downtime and eliminate the long queues that motorists have endured for decades.
While many are now attempting to take praise and glorify a single individual, it must be noted that this historic landmark would not have been possible without the initial groundwork laid by the Coalition Government. It was under that administration that the preliminary designs were completed to determine the best possible structure for the river crossing, even though the study did not focus on the bridge’s current location.
It was, however, quite surprising that on the very night of the bridge’s dedication, the nation was thrown into shock over the announcement of its name. I commend the concerned citizens who have since expressed their dissatisfaction and highlighted the absence of public consultation in such an important national decision.
As a frequent user of the former floating bridge—commissioned in July 1978 under the visionary leadership of the Late First Executive President, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham—I believe it served Guyana and its people remarkably well for over 47 years. Therefore, I urge those in authority to reconsider any plans to dismantle the old structure and to avoid making politically motivated decisions. The views and suggestions of respected Guyanese citizens on this matter should not be taken lightly.
The New Demerara River Bridge is a national project embraced by every Guyanese, as it aims to ease traffic congestion and bring relief to commuters who were often forced to leave their homes as early as 5:00 a.m. just to reach work by 8:00 a.m.
I now turn my attention to the much-anticipated 12-storey office complex at Haags Bosch, East Bank Demerara. Over the last three years, while serving as a Member of Parliament in the 12th Parliament, I consistently held Minister Juan Edghill accountable for the delays surrounding this project. Although I am no longer a sitting member of the National Assembly, I will continue to hold him to account. I am pleased to note that, following persistent public calls for action, the project has finally commenced—albeit at a sluggish pace—with a few steel structures erected earlier this year, just before the September 1, 2025 GRE.
It is worth highlighting that several other projects, both public and private, which commenced long after this one, have already been completed, commissioned, and are operational. Since 2022, approximately $8.6 billion out of an approved $15 billion has already been appropriated and paid out by the National Assembly for this project, yet very little visible progress has been made. Now, with the year 2025 quickly coming to an end, there is still nothing significant to show for the massive sums already expended. The nation has only been told that materials are being fabricated and sourced from countries such as Colombia and Turkey.
This prolonged silence on such a major national project should concern all Guyanese. The failure of Minister Edghill and his Ministry to provide periodic updates on the project’s progress is unacceptable. Transparency and accountability are essential, especially when taxpayers are the primary financiers.
On Sunday, October 12, 2025, reports surfaced on social media that President Irfaan Ali met with Chinese contractors currently engaged in the East Bank road expansion project, along with other key stakeholders, including Minister Bishop Juan Edghill, whose Ministry has oversight of the project.
In his usual style, whenever the cameras are rolling, the President claimed to have “read the riot act” to the contractors. However, what is both duplicitous and disingenuous is the fact that the 12-Storey Office Complex commenced long before the East Bank road expansion project, yet to date, neither the President nor Minister Edghill has met with the contracting company, Caribbean Green Building Inc.- to deliver the same stern reprimand.
This raises serious concerns, especially considering that the company has no website, no known local address, and no accessible contact information.
I therefore call on Minister Edghill to update the people of Guyana on the true status of the Haags Bosch 12-storey complex-to explain the reasons for the continued delays, the noticeable absence of a consistent workforce at the site, and the lack of tangible results despite billions already spent. The public deserves clarity on how their resources are being utilized.
I look forward to receiving a comprehensive progress report from Minister Edghill’s office in the near future. Attached is a photo illustrating the current state of affairs.
Yours truly,
Annette Ferguson
