Govt. keen on British funding for seawall boardwalk, new Demerara Bridge

British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn, on Thursday met with Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, in the Ministry’s boardroom to discuss the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) expending

British High Commissioner, Greg Quinn, meets Minister David Patterson

of funds for major infrastructural projects.
Some of the intended projects outlined by Minister Patterson are a Jubilee Park, a boardwalk at the Georgetown seawalls, and the construction of a bridge in Kurupukari, a ministry release stated yesterday.
In addition, a new harbour bridge across the Demerara River was discussed as one of the priority projects, as well as an upgraded airstrip in Annai as an enhancement to the tourism sector.
“Further in the discussions, Minister Patterson said a restoration of all independence symbols in time for Guyana’s 50th Independence celebration is being considered, and the possibility of refurbishing all airports in the hinterland Regions for them to be hubs for that particular Region.”
The British Government has launched a regional infrastructure fund following a trip to Jamaica in September 2015 by the British Prime Minister.
Guyana will benefit from the grants which will be administered by the Caribbean Development Bank through a bidding process expected to be opened in the New Year.
The British High Commissioner reiterated that funds provided to Guyana to finance these projects will be a grant and not a loan, and will be closely monitored by the British Government to ensure funds are being used for their intended purpose.