GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The government announced that construction has commenced on the first phase of the G$4.3 billion Parika Port project in Region Three, marking a major step in Guyana’s plan to modernize its transport and trade infrastructure, the government announced on Saturday.
According to the Department of Public Information (DPI), the facility is designed to accommodate cruise liners, cargo vessels transporting Guyanese produce to the Caribbean and beyond, and other forms of international travel—significantly boosting both trade and tourism.
Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, led a site inspection with engineers and officials from the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) to assess ongoing works. He noted that land reclamation and new system installations form part of the initial phase and emphasized that any temporary wharf closures must be paired with uninterrupted construction to keep the project on schedule.
Contractors involved in the first phase include Gaico Construction, Toolsie Persaud Limited, and A&S General Contractors.
Three key preparatory works are under way: relocating speedboats moored at the wharf, maintaining the existing wooden roll-on/roll-off ferry terminal during construction, and demolishing the old terminal building to make way for a modern facility that will house waiting areas and offices for Police, Immigration, Customs, CANU, and T&HD.
Minister Edghill also confirmed that residents living on the sea dam within the project’s alignment have already been engaged regarding relocation by the Central Housing and Planning Authority.
Phase Two of the project will see the development of a marina for yachts arriving from the Caribbean and other regions, as well as a waterfront area for restaurants and entertainment aimed at unlocking the tourism potential of the Essequibo region.
The Parika Port project complements other major national developments—including the Gas-to-Energy project, the Vreed-en-Hoop shore base, and expanded housing, road, and drainage infrastructure—forming part of the administration’s broader effort to position Guyana as a key regional logistics and tourism hub.