Former Minister and Parliamentarian Annette Ferguson has voiced strong concerns over the handling of two major national infrastructure projects—the recently dedicated New Demerara Harbour Bridge and the long-stalled 12-storey office complex at Haags Bosch, East Bank Demerara.
In a letter to the editor, Ferguson welcomed the long-anticipated completion of the fixed high-span bridge, describing it as a “delight” for all Guyanese, especially commuters who have endured decades of long waits and operational downtime on the former floating bridge.
“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,” she wrote.
However, Ferguson was quick to remind the public that the groundwork for the project was laid under the former A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Coalition Government. She stated that “the preliminary designs were completed to determine the best possible structure for the river crossing,” even if the study did not account for the current location of the bridge.
She also expressed shock at the surprise announcement of the bridge’s new name, criticising the lack of public engagement in such a significant decision. “I commend the concerned citizens who have since expressed their dissatisfaction and highlighted the absence of public consultation in such an important national decision,” Ferguson said.
Paying tribute to the original floating bridge, commissioned on July 2nd 1978 under the leadership of the late President Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, Ferguson cautioned against dismantling it without careful consideration. “I urge those in authority to reconsider any plans to dismantle the old structure and to avoid making politically motivated decisions,” she added.
Turning her attention to the Haags Bosch office complex, Ferguson raised alarm over what she described as glaring delays and a lack of accountability.
The 12-storey complex, intended to house several government ministries and agencies, was awarded to Caribbean Green Building Inc. at a contract value of G$15.8 billion. Construction officially began in February 2024, with a projected completion date of August 2026. However, Ferguson pointed out that despite significant sums already paid out—approximately G$8.6 billion since 2022—there is little visible progress beyond a few steel structures erected earlier this year.
“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,” she said. “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 he gave to other contractors.”
She expressed deep frustration that projects initiated after the Haags Bosch complex have already been completed and are operational, while this major public building lags behind.
“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,” she argued. “Transparency and accountability are essential, especially when taxpayers are the primary financiers.”
Ferguson also raised concerns about the contractor itself, stating that the company “has no website, no known local address, and no accessible contact information.”
She concluded her letter with a direct appeal: “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 utilised.”
She added that she looks forward to receiving a comprehensive progress report from the Ministry in the near future.
