Increased investment to drive port modernisation

President Dr Irfaan Ali has promised increased investments to modernise ports across Guyana if re-elected for another term.

Speaking at the Shipping Association of Guyana’s (SAG) Networking and Business Mixer held Tuesday at the Marriott Hotel, Ali said that the People’s Progressive Party would commit to upgrading local ports in line with the country’s expanding economy.

He said the sector could expect new and upgraded ports supported by improved road and bridge infrastructure, aimed at enhancing maritime trade, boosting competitiveness across regions, and creating opportunities in areas such as tourism and the oil and gas sector.

“Over the next five years, my administration will intensify investment in port development. Our economy is growing and will continue to grow. With growth, comes greater demand for imports and greater volume of exports and a heavier burden on our existing ports,” Ali said.

“If we want to become the energy capital and energy hub of the region looking at the associated products from natural gas and refined products coming to Guyana and going to northern Brazil and the rest of the Caribbean, the traffic is going to grow exponentially,” he added.

Ali told attendees that plans are advancing to deepen the Demerara Harbour to facilitate global trade, allowing larger ships to dock while reducing shipping costs and turnaround time.

A modern port equipped with state-of-the-art facilities is under construction at Parika, while transport infrastructure is being devised from Moruca to support farmers who will bring their produce to Charity, where a modern cold-storage packaging facility is expected.

A second passenger and cargo ferry is also expected in Region One within the next three months.

In Region Six, a deep-water port is slated for construction, which will connect Guyana to Brazil, the wider South American region and Caribbean markets. Waterfront investments are also planned for Vreed-en-Hoop and Stabroek, featuring marina-style infrastructure to support tourism.

To support the maritime sector’s growth, Ali said at least 2,000 people would need to be trained and certified over the next five years. The administration is currently engaging Nations University to explore whether a UK-equivalent qualification programme could be introduced locally.

Additionally, the president said legislation and regulations are being developed to ensure port operations align with the expectations of the modern maritime economy.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali