Georgetown: President Donald Ramotar said that his government is currently engaged in discussions with its South American counterparts to realize its intentions of having a deep water harbour in Guyana.
Over the years, there have been numerous calls particularly by the private sector and the tourism industry for such a facility in the country.
He noted that while there are many options available, Government is far from finalizing a deal. The President said that he is looking at all options before making any decisions.
Ramotar in his feature at address to a gathering emphasized the importance of having such facility in Guyana. He said that the country has to find ways to ensure that this project, though costly, can be realized.
The President explained that this will allow the transportation of more than the current volume, which is 10,000 tonnes. This amount is even less when the waterways are clogged up.
“We need to bring huge ships and export in huge volumes,” he stated while adding that with the Panama Canal currently being expanded, it will revolutionalise maritime trade around the world.
On this note, President Ramotar pointed out that Guyana needs to prepare for a massive increase of maritime trade in order to take advantage of it. The deep water harbour, the president noted is getting to be one of the most important developmental infrastructures worldwide.
While there have been interests from many countries for the project including Brazil and China, the South American country stand to reap the most benefits from such a facility.
A deep water harbour will boast bilateral relations between the two neighbouring countries but also provide other incentives for the two countries.
Only last year a large delegation of Brazilians visited Guyana and held discussions with local officials on building the harbour.
The project is mostly likely to be built in Berbice and is expected to be used as a transshipment point for Brazilian goods to ports in the Caribbean, North America and Europe, as it will reduce the current time it takes by at least half.
The handling and storage facilities to deal with these cargos would definitely provide a large economic boost to Guyana’s economy.
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