encourages local operators to lower travel costs to further boost development
Georgetown, Guyana—(November 24, 2025) His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali said that the construction of BK’s new terminal in Bartica aligns with his Government’s national vision of integrating and enhancing all regions of the country.
The Head of State described the project as a vital component of regional development, one that connects directly to the national development architecture of Guyana. He made the remarks during a simple sod-turning ceremony in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on Sunday.
“Bartica’s history tells us something powerful. It tells us that this is a place that has always been about movement, about connection, about possibility. That is why today’s ceremony is part of a broader national vision—a vision to integrate every corner of Guyana through infrastructure, connectivity, investment, technology and opportunity. Because when Guyana moves, every region must move with it.”
President Ali emphasised the importance of synchronous development.
“When the coast advances, the hinterland must advance too. And when development comes, it must come for all Guyanese—every riverine home, every hinterland township, every island in the Essequibo.”
He added that this commitment to shared progress brings us to a fundamental truth: connectivity is the backbone of economic development.
“Development begins with connectivity. Before economies can expand, before opportunities can spread, and before regions can flourish together, they must first be linked—physically, digitally and economically. When communities are connected by reliable roads, bridges, ports, air travel and digital networks, business operates more efficiently, transportation costs fall, and new markets open.”
The President noted that the new hub created by the terminal will save, at minimum, 20 minutes on interior and hinterland air connectivity, and reduce operational costs by at least one-third.
“Investors are more willing to take risks when they know that infrastructure supports movement and access. Connectivity also attracts tourism, stimulates construction, and unlocks economic potential in areas that were previously isolated. In simple terms, when places are easier to reach, they become easier to grow.”
President Ali explained that the Machinery Corporation of Guyana Ltd (MACORP), for example, could establish a service and distribution hub using drone technology to deliver supplies to remote areas more efficiently. He noted that similar systems are already being developed in the medical sector.
He also spoke about the positive impact that connectivity and integration will have on tourism.
“My friends, connectivity also attracts tourism, stimulates construction, and unlocks economic potential in areas that were previously isolated. In simple terms, when places are easier to reach, they become easier to grow.”
The President reminded that his Government has made significant investments in the region, including the newly upgraded Bartica Stelling, the recently announced development of a world-class marina, and billions of dollars channelled into housing, water and infrastructure.
He further noted that the Government is developing the next phase of the highway system, from the new Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge to the road at Wales via the Del Conte route, connecting directly to Sand Hills and onward to Timehri.
“In this way, we will tie Bartica more tightly into the national road network. And when this aerodrome and terminal are completed, Bartica will proudly boast interconnected pathways to the world—by river, by road and by air.”
To complement this development, the President challenged local air service providers to reduce the cost of air transport by at least 15 per cent.
“We have given the aviation sector enormous incentives. We have given them enormous support through the removal of taxes and fuel charges. It is time the aviation sector returned that support to the citizens and people of our country. There is no reason the aviation sector cannot, at this time, reduce air transport costs by at least 15 per cent.”