Dr. Jagdeo: Infrastructure investment key to sustained growth

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has defended the government’s ongoing investment in infrastructure, saying it is critical to Guyana’s future development and regional connectivity.

Addressing members of the media during his weekly press conference at Freedom House on Thursday, Dr. Jagdeo dismissed opposition claims that the government is spending “too much” on roads and construction, calling their position “short-sighted and lacking in vision.”

He highlighted several major infrastructure projects currently underway or in the pipeline, including the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to accommodate increasing passenger traffic.

He pointed out that, with airlines such as KLM recently resuming direct flights to Europe, Guyana is positioning itself as a strategic transit hub for the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

“People are spending more time on the roads than with their families or in leisure activities,” Jagdeo said. “We are committed to modernising this country’s infrastructure—whether the opposition likes it or not.”

Work is progressing on a four-lane highway from Georgetown to Timehri and from New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek, creating a seamless transportation link from the Berbice border all the way to CJIA.

Additionally, the government is planning new bridges and expanded roadways to better serve Region Three and the East Coast corridor, where over 20,000 new house lots are being developed.

Dr. Jagdeo explained that these developments will also include service roads to accommodate utility infrastructure, such as Guyana Power and Light’s transmission systems, helping to reduce congestion on main roads.

Turning to the economy, he dismissed the opposition’s rhetoric that infrastructure spending is hurting the average citizen.

“They say you can’t eat roads,” he said. “But people drive on roads. Roads are essential for mobility, for economic activity, and for connecting communities.”

The General Secretary pointed to economic indicators showing that more Guyanese are buying vehicles—with over 40,000 expected to be purchased this year—and that the public and private sectors are experiencing growth in both employment and disposable income.

He also revealed that public sector wages have increased by over $105 billion annually since the PPP returned to office, with private sector income and bank savings showing strong upward trends.

“More people are working now—in hotels, fast food outlets, expanded taxi services. People who couldn’t earn in 2020 are earning today,” he stated. “The banking sector tells the real story—savings and deposits have grown massively. That’s a clear sign of growing prosperity.”

Dr. Jagdeo rejected the opposition’s claims that citizens are worse off now than before, arguing that such narratives ignore the facts and mislead the public.

“If you listen to them, you’d think Guyana has regressed. But the evidence shows progress, tangible, measurable, and widespread.”