Residents of Parika, Region Three (Essequibo Islands – West Demerara) were on Tuesday engaged by the Ministry of Public Works as preparations begin for Phase 1 of the international port facility.
The residents were assured by the subject ministers that their businesses will not stop but they may have to shift to alternative locations nearby. A US$20 million contract was recently awarded for the first phase of the international port facility.
Public Works Minister Juan Edhgill said, “People will have to be shifted. Even while this port is under construction, the service of the transport and harbours department to Leguan, Wakenaam, Supenaam, Bartica will be uninterrupted, the steamer will continue to go everywhere.”
Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill during his engagement with residents of Parika (Photo: News Room/ July 15, 2025)
The facility will have cold storage, agro-processing, and packing facilities for farmers and will allow Guyana to directly ship goods throughout the Caribbean, creating a streamlined export process that will bolster regional trade. President Irfaan Ali previously explained that the port will also be equipped to accommodate cruise liners, giving tourists access to explore the rich offerings of the Essequibo tourism circuit.
The Project Manager, Jermaine Braithwaite said the work to be conducted includes massive expansions and raising the surface of the docks to prevent flooding. This new structure will be made of concrete and pre-stressed concrete piles. It will also have automated link span bridges operated through hydraulic lifts.
There will be space for a gas station to be developed there. In the second phase of the project, a floating dock will be developed with the potential for annexing speedboat operations there.
Three local contractors were hired to conduct the first phase and they are: Gaico construction and general services, Toolsie Construction and A & S General Construction. These contractors were awarded contracts to the tune of $3.6 million, $587 million and $619 million, respectively. The overall project will be constructed in three lots with the first lot developed during a 24 months period.
An Artist’s impressions of a section of the new port facility.
“People must know who the contractors are. All three of those contractors that are awarded are contractors who are known for their work, standards and quality,” the minister said.
During the meeting, several residents raised concerns about the shifting of business and homes during the construction period. Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar warned the residents that while businesses will be accommodated, persons living illegally on the beach or sea defence will have to relocate.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar addressing the residents. (Photo: News Room/ July 15, 2025)
“I will work with you to make sure whatever disruption there is, is to a minimal and there is going to be a transition, how housing [Ministry of Housing and Water] will come and work with you.
“And nobody else is to go and build anything else there too,” Minister Indar said.
Minister Indar warned that the businesses operating along the beach area should not take up more space there.
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