A ministerial team recently visited Lethem and the surrounding areas to assess the newly constructed Takutu Bridge and the facilities to effect cross-border trade.
The team comprised Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Robeson Benn and Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee. According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release, Rodrigues-Birkett said Guyana and Brazil have always enjoyed good relations. She said the bridge would create a stronger relationship with that country as well as provide economic benefits for both sides. The minister said too that government is actively engaging the Brazilians in sorting out some issues with the bridge in order to push up the opening.
According to GINAm the 220-metre structure was built by the Brazilian government at a cost of US$8M and would serve as a link between Brazil and Guyana. Brazil has shown commitment to achieving this initiative by rehabilitating 1.6 km of access road that leads into Guyana. Various proposals are also being discussed pertaining to a duty-free zone.
According to Rodrigues-Birkett, the proposed zone in Guyana is up to Annai and Boa Vista in Brazil. Goods that pass through this zone would not be subject to any import duties and taxes.
In order to facilitate cross-border trade a $38M facility has been built in Lethem. This multi-purpose facility would be manned by trained personnel who provide immigration services as well as conduct phyto-sanitary checks. Rohee added that the facility would help to provide the relevant services that are available at any border crossing.
Rodrigues-Birkett at a subsequent meeting with private sector officials, residents and Lethem officials said persons would be allowed to move freely since they do not need a passport to travel through locations leading to Annai. However, a passport would be required and import duties paid, to travel beyond this point. As regards insurance, the foreign minister said arrangements were “on the table” to be discussed with the Brazilian government.
The minister said that different proposals are being tabled with respect to the opening and closing hours of the bridge. Brazil, she said, had indicated that it would be unable to provide a 24-hour service while Guyana had endorsed a 24-hour opening and an eight to six timetable for cargo crossing. However this timetable is still to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, Benn urged Lethem residents and businessmen to help to enhance the environment by cultivating plants along the roadside and putting up various establishments.
He said too government is embarking on a number of projects to help in this enhancement including road construction. GINA said Alfred Ramsarran a private sector official suggested that sign be written in both English and Portuguese. In response, Benn said his ministry is in the process of putting up 200 signs. He said too tenders would be put out for the erection of a shed for containers and motor lorries as well as a power plant which would be in the vicinity of the multi-purpose facility.
Region Nine Chairman Clarindo Lucas said that persons in Lethem and surrounding areas are already anticipating a giant economic boost and as a result, the community has been transformed.
According to GINA, the port of entry in Brazil would be Bonfim whereas in Guyana it would be Lethem. The foreign minister gave assurances that the two countries were working together for a quick resolution of the issues that were confronting them in order for the bridge to be opened shortly.
The release said the team also visited Kurupukari since there is a possibility that a checkpoint would be established there for the Guyana Revenue Authority.