-IDB representative
The travel time for crossing of the Berbice River has been reduced from 45 minutes by ferry to five minutes using the Berbice Bridge, and according to Inter-American Develop-ment Bank (IDB) Country Representative Marco Nicola it is a boost to business activity.
Addressing the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association’s 78th Annual Luncheon, at the Little Rock Suites, in New Amsterdam, Sunday, Nicola noted that it is too early to attempt a formal assessment of the impact of the Berbice Bridge. However, he said from observation an estimated 26,000 vehicles traverse the facility monthly. He explained that that in addition to increasing trade, the bridge is also reducing the loss of perishable agriculture products. He also said that three years after completion of rehabilitation of the Mahaica-Rosignol road, “fatal accidents per kilometre of travel” have been reduced by19%, as against a set target of 15%.
Nicola explained that Berbice has benefited from IDB investments totalling US$31 million, which were aimed at improving its productive capacity by reducing cost, time and risks associated with poor transportation conditions as well as facilitating regional integration between Guyana and Suriname.
Generally, he said the IDB has been supporting Guyana to address several issues that restrict the performance of the agriculture sector and as a result 13 loans totalling US$257 million were given as a stimulus needed to activate the sector, repositioning it to revitalise production levels.
One of the several positive impacts that are emerging from the IDB-supported reforms in the agriculture sector is the empowerment of farmers to manage drainage and irrigation (D&I) in their regions, he observed. “This is a transformational shift from a system that was inefficient, since these systems were in a state of disrepair largely due to the fact that associated rates were not collected,” he said. Recognising the role of the agriculture sector, Nicola also noted that Guyana has negotiated another loan with the IDB to enable the pursuit of agriculture export diversification. This investment, he observed, will establish services and institutions for sustainable increase in the income derived from the export of non-traditional agricultural products in the aquaculture, fruits and vegetables and livestock subsectors.
He said the bank will continue to support development, while adding that work has commenced
on the Crabwood Creek access road. In addition, within the next few months a D&I project valued US$5 million will commence in Black Bush Polder.
While the results of the collaboration between the bank and Guyana are evident, Nicola reckoned that an important objective of the bank is strengthening the relations with the Guyanese civil society, especially the private sector, since approximately 60% of its portfolio funding is aligned to the national competitiveness strategy. The bank, he said, will demonstrate its readiness to dialogue with the private sector to offer guidance and assist in finding solutions that would result in the successful realisation of development investments and outcomes.
Unstable power,
ineffective Town Council
Meanwhile, according to President of the Berbice Chamber Gyandat Marray, the interrupted power supply remains a major concern to businesses in Berbice. He made this disclosure while presenting the chamber’s annual report at the luncheon. Marray noted that the Guyana Power and Light Co continues to break the power supply to the region, during a presentation that was coincidentally interrupted by a power cut.
Marray was more upbeat about water supply. He expressed optimism that the Guyana Water Inc will improve water supply to the New Amsterdam township, which currently receives a four-hour flow per day while rural areas receive more regular supply.
Marray said the chamber is urging the government to hold the local government elections, since the New Amsterdam Town Council is stagnant, delivers poor service and selective enforcement of the by-laws and regulations. He said that over the last year the chamber held meetings with the Town Council and concerns were raised about garbage collection and disposal; cattle; noise nuisance; cleaning of drains; conditions of streets repaired under the Urban Development Programme; and vending on the road shoulders and street corners. Marray said the responses of the Town Council were unsatisfactory and it continues to give poor service.
Nevertheless, Marray said it is anticipated that the Town Council will meet a compromise with regards to the Industrial Estate, where much needed employment should be provided. Other areas of concern are faster tax reform, in order that business grow and become more competitive, an improved system for business registration, decentralisation of Guyana Revenue Authority with respect to the transfer of vehicles, along with the reduction of internet charges and loss of services experienced by customers of GT&T.
Marray also said that while the chamber is impressed by the facilities of the Skeldon Sugar Factory, it expects that the numerous defects will be remedied in the near future, in order that the factory can operate at its full potential.
Marray described last year as challenging, owing to the global economic crisis. He also noted that several discussions and training activities were held with various stakeholders to enhance membership development. According to him, although the chamber was formed 78 years ago, membership only stands at 40.
He said efforts are being made to increase the amount in order to strengthen the chamber so it can evolve into a dynamic body.
In addition to meeting with the Town Council, Marray reported that discussions were also held last year with the Regional Democratic Council, which it engaged on the clearing of the Republic Road canal, the drainage and irrigation in the East Bank Berbice area and the regional administration’s work programme. Also, there were talks on crime and security with the top brass of the Berbice police division.
Among the chamber’s successes, according to Marray, was reducing fees–in excess of 50%–for certain categories of vehicles on the Berbice Bridge. It is expected that a further reduction may be achieved, following another meeting.
Among those in attendance at the luncheon were Chairman of the Private Sector Commission Ramesh Dookhoo, representative of the National Association of Regional Chambers of Commerce Daniel Gajie and members of sister chambers from the Berbice areas.
