Guyana marked a new chapter of national progress on Sunday with the official opening of its most ambitious infrastructure project to date—the new Demerara River Bridge. In a historic moment filled with emotion and patriotism, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali announced that the bridge will forever bear the name of former President and current Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, in recognition of his significant contributions to the nation.
The announcement was made in front of thousands of Guyanese who gathered for the commissioning ceremony, an event that also commemorated 33 years since Guyana’s return to democracy. President Ali described the naming as not only a tribute but also a duty to ensure that future generations remember one of the country’s most influential leaders.
As President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, it is my honor, my privilege, and indeed my duty to dedicate this bridge in the name of Bharrat Jagdeo. From this day forward, it shall be called the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge, because great men deserve recognition, because visionaries deserve legacies, and because Guyana never forgets its giants,” he declared to thunderous applause.
Built at a cost of US$262 million by China Railway Construction Corporation Limited, the cable-stayed bridge is designed to last a century. With four lanes of traffic, a pedestrian walkway, and a 50-meter clearance for ocean-going cargo ships, the structure marks a significant upgrade from the aging floating bridge it replaces. President Ali called it a symbol of a nation ready to modernize and transform.
“It is a signal to the world that a nation is prepared, and this bridge speaks loudly, announcing that Guyana is ready, ready to modernize, ready to industrialize,” he said, describing the project as both a gateway and a driver of growth.
The bridge’s economic importance cannot be overstated. It is expected to serve nearly 50,000 daily commuters while connecting Regions Three and Four, two of Guyana’s fastest-growing economic areas. President Ali emphasized the vast opportunities the crossing will create, from housing developments to logistics centers, factories, and businesses.
“Every commuter will feel it. Every business will benefit from it. Every investor will take note of it,” he underscored.
In his address, President Ali also reflected on Dr. Jagdeo’s journey in public life, praising him for playing a key role alongside the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan in guiding Guyana out of what he called “economic wilderness.” He went on to highlight Jagdeo’s international leadership, from shaping CARICOM’s agricultural agenda to developing the globally recognized Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which earned him recognition from the United Nations as a “Champion of the Earth.”
A grateful nation does itself a great disservice if it fails to honor its heroes. Today, we set the record straight… on behalf of a grateful people, I am pleased to dedicate this bridge in the name of Bharrat Jagdeo,” the president affirmed.
The inauguration ceremony was a lively celebration of unity and progress. The evening started with the National Anthem, followed by blessings from leaders of Guyana’s Christian, Muslim, and Hindu communities. Cultural performances highlighting the country’s diversity further enhanced the atmosphere before President Ali’s keynote speech.
The evening’s climax featured the president, flanked by cabinet members and citizens, taking a symbolic walk across the illuminated bridge topped with its Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH) towers. The event ended with a spectacular fireworks display and the booming horns of ships in the harbor, marking the official opening of the bridge to the nation.
For many Guyanese, the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge is more than just an engineering marvel—it’s a vital link for commerce, a symbol of national pride, and a tribute to a leader whose vision has profoundly impacted the country’s path. Rising 50 meters above the water and built to last for generations, the bridge serves not only as an essential crossing but also as a catalyst for Guyana’s ongoing development.
“Great men deserve recognition. Visionaries deserve legacies. Guyana never forgets its giants,” President Ali reminded the nation—a fitting tribute as Guyana takes a bold step into the future.