Opposition Parliamentarian, Jermaine Figueira said on Wednesday that he supports President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s move to abolish tolls for the three main bridges in Guyana by August 1.
Speaking specifically to the toll removal for the Wismar/ Mackenzie Bridge, Figueira remarked that “infrastructure development must serve as a ladder out of poverty and not a barrier”. He hailed the announcement as one that will make the lives of people better.
“The president’s recent announcement of free tolls for all tolled bridges in the country, including the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge in my constituency, is a decision I strongly endorse and support,” the legislator said.
Figueira noted that he had made the very call during his 2025 budget presentation in January, when he advocated for a toll-free system to be implemented well before the completion of the new four-lane bridge currently under construction.
“I see the president’s decision as magnanimous and mature, accepting positions that will bring greater relief to the people, even if from an opposition member. More such decisions should be taken with several other opposition proposals. This decision underscores a willingness to prioritize public welfare over short-term fiscal gains,” the politician underscored.
Figueira’s concerns come at a time when the Linden Mayor and Council have raised concerns over the impact the toll-free system will have on the township’s revenue stream.
More concerning, Mayor Sharma Solomon said that the council recently passed plans to give an increase to staff with a huge chunk of the financing coming from the bridge. Now that the government plans to abolish tolls, those increases may have to be red-pencilled, unless of course, the government meets with the local body and hammer out a way forward.
Figueira, in his missive, agreed that the concerns are “valid”, noting that proactive fiscal reforms are essential.
“I would respectfully suggest to the government, to foster greater benefit, employment and economic benefits to the people of Linden and the municipal council; that the current proposals by the council for the establishment of new comercial/economic zones in several communities where people can sell their produce and services , be accepted and approved,” he opined.
He noted that Amelia’s Ward, for example, is the largest community in Linden and arguably in the region, yet it does not have a market nor an officially designated space for commercial engagements.
Additionally, on the Linden to Lethem corridor and, more specifically, in the domain of the council or somewhere else, an industrial and manufacturing zone should be established with a proposed rate payable to the council.
The Linden Municipal Council and all other municipalities would be in a better position with augmented subventions from the national coffers to suit the growing population needs and the projected economic growth potential yearly for each township, the young politician suggested.
He also suggested that if the government holds firm on not allowing for increases of taxes through property revaluation, then it should allow for reforms to be introduced that allow for exponential reach of municipal tax jurisdictions within the ever-expanding municipalities.
Guyana Standard understands that there are several communities within Linden, including new schemes and newly regulated areas, that have long been exempt from property and business taxes.
Figueira argues that bringing these areas under municipal tax jurisdiction, even at present rates, will significantly increase revenues for the council, and in the case of Linden, effectively augment its revenue base in lieu of toll revenue loss from the Wismar/Mackenzie bridge.
