The Bharat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge (BJDRB) represents “a monumental feat of modern engineering.” No! I didn’t write that line for Minister Juan Edghill. I would have been delighted to do so, though. “This engineering masterpiece is not only a marvel of design and durability but a symbol of progress, precision, and durability.” So also said the honorable minister. So, also say I, from the initial visuals, from on and off observing, and from continuing developments that reinforce Minister Edghill’s grand verbal flourish. There is much going for this one project that demands a doff of the hat for a start. May it serve the Guyanese people well into the 22nd century, as promised.
Cost overruns were not heard of, which is unprecedented, very good. Though it should matter, I quickly move past the extended time overrun of 233 days. Better to be safe than rush and be sorry. Because I note with satisfaction that the American specs were followed, and American standards were employed, on this Chinese built BJDRB, I am comforted. That’s good enough for me, as coming from the people who could deliver something as spectacular as the Three Gorges Dam. Only one among many. I am sold. For the record and for the second time, I find the naming of the new Demerara River Bridge after former president, PPP General Secretary, and Guyana’s second vice president, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo a bit too rich for the moment, the mix. I commend him for not jawboning and browbeating his folks to name the bridge the Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, for it would have been a greater tongue twister with the finished product, i.e., the DBJDRB. Imagine that and the trouble for broadcasters, editors, and writers. Also, note is taken of no mention yet of the new bridge’s name in the Official Gazette. I urge Dr. Jagdeo to reconsider having his name inscribed and emblazoned on the new bridge. Poor taste, poor form, poor show. The British are not needed for those descriptions. Reeks too much of cult leaders. Leaders who behold themselves as legends in their own eyes. Leaders who, if they can produce more Demerara River Bridge equivalents would have no need, no craving, to honor themselves during their lifetimes. There may be a different standard nowadays, but real leaders don’t need the reminders, aren’t that insecure, are not that crass to insist on such self-glorifications while alive. The name is the only blemish on the bridge: timing is wrong, the leadership record is wrong, the nature of the naming, and appearance of it, is wrong. Think of all this, sir. Reconsider, please.
Using the new bridge as the model, the PPP Government has an opportunity to do more of the same with other pioneering public works projects. Time overruns aside, the bridge gives the reassurance of the Rock of Gibraltar, in that it can deliver what it promises, and all the heraldries that it has attracted. It was in the open (in many ways); its progress could be seen and was measurable; and it has a lot to recommend it. I quietly recommend to Pres. Ali and Vice Pres. Jagdeo that the same elements should characterize the Wales Gas-to-Energy (GtE) project, which is already estimated to be approx. eight times more, if not more, than the new bridge across the Demerara. My recommendations incorporate the following: starting out right, doing right by the Guyanese people (what they are getting and how so?), and standing over the project with the right people to get it done right. Cost overruns are out the window, gone with the wind. Completion time is under scrutiny, and so also is the basis for this project. Can it deliver? Currently, I have no doubts about the new bridge. But can I say the same for the Wales GtE project that could do so much, come to mean so much, for Guyanese? Not quite. There are concerns about two of its stated objectives: the first is half-price electricity for Guyanese, and how long that will hold. It’s the same for a reliable energy supply, and how consistent that will be.
When high-profile and costly projects, such as the bridge and the Wales GtE, are delivered in a transparent and responsible manner, then I am the biggest supporter of the PPP Government. And to that can be added, the loudest applauder of Vice President Jagdeo; especially when neither he nor the government reacts so poorly to truth and principle. Guyanese can start naming their children (and pets) after him, and there wouldn’t be a word of protest from this corner. I’d endorse.
