While the opposition appears convinced that Britain and other international powers will hold off on funding for key projects in Guyana, the United Kingdom High Commission has indicated that “no decisions” have yet been taken on the next phases of the two main infrastructural projects.
Recently, it was reported that construction for the first phase of the Linden to Lethem road will begin “shortly” as funding for the project was secured.
In fact, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson wrote on his Facebook page that a long-held dream is finally becoming a reality.
Patterson’s Ministry later clarified that it is not the paving of the road which will begin shortly but prequalification of contractors.
It further stated that the project is at the procurement stage, where the ministry is selecting the prequalification of contractors to execute the paving works. It is this process that is scheduled to commence on October 1, 2019.
However, the United Kingdom High Commission has said, “As part of the UK-Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF), launched in 2016, over the last year the UK has supported initial design work for the construction of the road between Linden and Mabura and the bridge at Kurupukari which is being implemented by the Caribbean Development Bank. No decision has yet been made on the next, construction, phase of this project. Similarly whilst the UK funded the design phase of the Kingston-Ogle seawall project through UKCIF, no decision has been taken on the next phase of this project either.”
Both projects are regarded as extremely important infrastructural development in Guyana.
Last week, in a joint statement with the European Union and the United States of America, Britain called on the President to immediately name a date for elections. This was after the three months had elapsed since the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruled that the no-confidence motion passed against the APNU+AFC administration.
In the consequence, the President was required to call elections within three months.
In the statement last week, the international powers noted that development in Guyana will be hampered if it is deemed that constitutional rule is under threat.
The statement read, “This situation comes at great cost to the people of Guyana. The prevailing political uncertainty undermines Guyanese institutions, compromises economic opportunities and delays development across all areas including infrastructure, education, health, and social services. It also hinders our ability to support Guyana’s development needs. We therefore call upon the President to set an elections date immediately in full compliance with Guyana’s constitution.”
