Dr. Singh outlines plans to transform Region Six into Guyana’s industrial capital

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration has set out sweeping development plans for Region Six, aiming to unlock what it calls the region’s “vast economic potential” over the next five years.

Speaking at the launch of the Berbice Expo and Trade Fair earlier this week, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, said the initiatives outlined in the PPP/C’s 2025 manifesto are designed to make Region Six the “industrial capital of the Caribbean.”

Key projects include the construction of a new four-lane Berbice River bridge to replace the current structure, which has long faced weight limitations; a deep-water harbour; an industrial park powered by natural gas; and enhanced connectivity through a highway to Georgetown, an upgraded Corentyne Coast road, and possible rail and road links to northern Brazil. Plans also extend to a bridge across the Corentyne River to Suriname, improved overland access to Kwakwani, and all-weather roads to Orealla and Siparuta.

“Over the next five years we will see Region Six connected with Region Five and the rest of Guyana, and through the road to Brazil, to northern Brazil as well,” Dr Singh told Berbicians. “For major industrial development, we need to be able to move containerised cargo smoothly and efficiently. That is why a new bridge and a deep-water harbour are essential.”

He added that government’s vision also targets new industries such as oil refining, alumina refining, fertiliser production, and petrochemicals, alongside value-added agro-processing for global export markets.

Dr Singh pointed to significant investment in the region’s agriculture sector, including new drainage and irrigation systems, Hope-like canals, and an embankment along the Canje Creek to better protect farms from flooding and improve water management.

Beyond heavy infrastructure and industry, the minister highlighted upcoming projects at Palmyra, including an international stadium, hotels, a modern shopping mall, the Guyana National Cultural Market, and major housing and commercial developments. The new Guyana Technical Training College at Port Mourant is also set to make Berbice the “technical and vocational capital of the Caribbean,” with students already graduating from its programmes.

“Imagine that we are mere months away from people travelling to Berbice for international cricket,” Dr Singh said. “They will not only watch cricket but will shop here, eat in Berbice restaurants, and stay in Berbice hotels.”

Concluding his address, Dr Singh emphasised that the PPP/C government has “a crystal-clear plan with concrete initiatives and projects” that will transform Region Six and improve the lives of its people.