As discussions on the proposed construction of a deep water harbour in the Berbice River continue, the government is in favour of solely private sector involvement in the project, Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon says.
“My suspicion based on other major investments is that the administration would prefer and their interest would be more towards private sector involvement,” Luncheon said on Thursday when questioned about government’s equity in the proposed facility. He said, however, that he “would not dismiss another opportunity for public/private mix in pushing the East Bank Berbice as another growth port in the Guyanese economy”.
Luncheon said that it was quite clear that the East Bank Berbice area is a growth centre— “whether allied with the anticipated fossil fuel industry, which is anticipated to develop in that area, or independently to deal with the inflows that come from the Brazil to Guyana opening up”.
Recently, Canadian Oil Exploration company CGX Energy Inc. was identified as being the majority partner in a venture that could see the establishment of the deep water sea port, within the next few years. Local officials have declined to comment on the project but have indicated that the first phase is likely to start this year.
According to the Guyana Chronicle report, the project will be privately financed and is being done in collaboration with a local associate and the government of Guyana, mainly through the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest). When completed, it is capable of accommodating Post Panamax ships — massive supertankers and container vessels.
President of CGX Inc. Kerry Sully had hinted at the facility in November, when he delivered the feature address at the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association’s (GMSA) 15th Annual Presentation Awards Dinner at the Princess Hotel.
“We at CGX have acquired a 55-acre piece of land in the mouth of the Berbice River… that construction is underway. We’re going to be putting in a port and wharf facility… a portion of that is obviously to support my exploration and development,” Sully said. He further stated that this facility could later provide a “foothold” for other industrial manufacturing opportunities that would result from its oil drilling activities. The facility, he said, “could also be used to serve as an import, export port for the Berbice area”.
During the budget debate in January in the National Assembly, Prime Minister Sam Hinds hinted too at the possible establishment of this facility. “CGX has begun arrangements to support its drilling… in particular, we could note that CGX has begun the development of a dock and storage area in the Crab Island area in the mouth of the Berbice River,” he said. “So here we have another step which could turn out to be a big step in the development of a larger and larger port at the mouth of the Berbice River,” he added.
Guyana has long talked about building a deep water harbour in the Berbice River but with little progress being made. The developments locally have come after Suriname signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) in December with two Chinese companies for US$6 billion worth of projects, including a deep sea harbour and a road and railroad to Brazil.
It was felt that these developments would challenge Guyana’s bid to become the gateway for business into and out of Brazil.
