Berbice, Guyana—(April 14, 2025) His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali outlined a series of transformative agricultural and infrastructural initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of residents across several communities in Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).
The Head of State led a team of Cabinet Ministers and Government officials on a two-day outreach in Berbice over the weekend, where he not only discussed his Government’s plans for transforming the region, but ways in which all Guyanese will benefit from the impending progression of the country.
The initiatives, which include both medium and long-term projects are geared to modernise the region and amplify the living conditions of residents.
High on the agenda are expanded housing solutions for residents; the development of a modern four-lane highway stretching from New Amsterdam to Moleson Creek; the establishment of a cutting-edge four-lane river bridge; the bridging of the Corentyne River to improve regional connectivity; the creation of advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centres within the region; the construction of a state-of-the-art deep-water port; the transformation and comprehensive upgrading of the Rose Hall Airport; the completion of a world-class international stadium; and the finalisation of the new, modern New Amsterdam Hospital.
The President also announced that persons who have applied for house lots before December 31, 2024 in the region will receive an allocation letter this year, as his Government is working on completely eradicating the current backlog of applicants.
President Ali met thousands of Guyanese during meetings in New Amsterdam, Rose Hall Canje, Albion, Port Mourant; Black Bush Polder and Corriverton.
New Amsterdam
In New Amsterdam, the President stated that a private investment, through a partnership between Muneshwers Limited and John Fernandes, will see the construction of a port facility that will create approximately 1,000 jobs. The value of this investment will exceed US$285m.
This will be complemented by the deep-water port that the Government is working along with Bechtel—an international engineering, construction and procurement company—on finalising.
The President also highlighted the magnitude of investments made in New Amsterdam and the wider county over the last few years.
“We are results-oriented. We don’t promise; we commit and deliver to the people. We don’t govern for some; we govern for all.”
Rose Hall
In Rose Hall Canje, the President discussed a number of initiatives aimed at economically empowering hundreds of families, and by extension the communities.
He told hundreds of residents gathered at the meeting that he has instructed the Ministry of Agriculture to examine 50 acres of land for the development of a hydroponics project that will target more than 500 families, with the possibility of it expanding to 100 acres.
The Ministry has also been tasked with doing a pilot study on the viability of fish cage farming in the area; and developing another 100 acres of swamp land for the production of swamp shrimp.
“I just want you to know that you can rely on us, we will be here every single day of the year to ensure that your lives, your livelihood, your future and your prosperity is realised.”
Other specific measures also include connecting the community of Gangaram to Canfield for the provision of treated water; deploying equipment in New Forest to not only assist farmers in their drainage and irrigation, but also in clearing five acres of land each; along with the expansion of the safe city CCTV programme to Region Six, among other initiatives.
Albion
In Albion the President announced that his Government is going to make the necessary investments to transform the Albion Sports Complex into a world class cricket academy.
He said that in spite of the construction of the new world-class stadium in the region, he has asked the Ministry of Finance to set aside resources to rehabilitate all of the stands of the Albion ground and to construct a hostel that will be used to develop an academy that will help to further develop young cricketers in the area.
The President also noted that other transformational projects are slated for the community including the development of 30 acres of land for the production of swamp shrimp; the planting of 50 acres of coconut trees that will be spearheaded by single mothers; and the construction of shade houses in the yards of some residents.
Works are also ongoing to construct an inline filter to connect the new Chesney Well to Albion to increase their access to treated water. This project, the President emphasised, represents a further $120m investment in the community and is slated to finish by the end of April.
“Every single day we are looking at ways in which we can continue the investment to uplift the lives of our people.”
Port Mourant
In Port Mourant, the President also announced that his Government would collaborate with 200 single mother-led households in the community to develop agricultural projects aimed at economically empowering their families.
He explained that the projects would include the construction of shade houses, the development of small businesses involving Black Giant chickens for egg production, the provision of cows for milk production, and the production of honey.
“We are developing equally to lift everyone with the rising tide; every single Guyanese must rise together because when we rise together, we will all be in a better position to support each other.”
The Head of State also emphasised plans to introduce important courses, such as medical science, pharmacy, dentistry, engineering, law, and oil and gas, to the Tain Campus.
Black Bush Polder
In Mibikuri, Black Bush Polder President Ali told hundreds of residents that he has tasked the Ministry of Agriculture to look at four existing dams that can be converted to drying facilities to support farmers.
He also tasked the ministry to design a project to plant between 5,000 to 10,000 coconuts complemented by a facility that will process the nuts and bottle the water. The Government will also invest in four new irrigation pumps for the area alongside other initiatives.
The President reminded citizens that his Government has implemented several additional initiatives to support farmers, including guaranteeing $4,000 per bag of rice and providing one bag of fertiliser for every acre of farmland. This, the President said, represents a direct transfer of over $160m to farmers in the polders alone.
“These are the things that occupy our minds. These are the things that we worry about. These are the things we think about when we want to improve your lives, improve the conditions you live under.”
Corriverton
In Corriverton, President Ali also announced a number of initiatives aimed at revitalising and supporting mega farms.
He said his Government is setting aside resources to start construction of farm-to-market access roads and drainage and irrigation systems to boost farming.
To complement this, the President also noted that his Cabinet is in discussion to build an all-weather trail from Moleson Creek to Siparuta that will open up tens of thousands of acres of lands to significantly increase the productivity in the region.
“We have an incredible vision and development strategy for Region Six. One in which we want to give every single citizen in this region an opportunity to excel and be the best they want to be, an opportunity to achieve the maximum potential of what they want to achieve.”
President Ali stressed that his Government wants to co-invest with farmers and residents in agri-tech business opportunities including hydroponics and value-added production, while supporting current operations with investments such as cold storage, drying facilities among other initiatives.
The President also visited churches and mandirs while in Berbice.
