$4.5B in contracts awarded for phase one of New Parika Modern Port Facility

Jul 16, 2025 News

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Kaieteur News – Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill on Tuesday announced that the contracts for phase one of the New Parika Modern Port Facility and Waterfront Development project in Region Three have been awarded with works set to begin in the coming weeks.

The minister made the disclosure during a multi- stakeholder engagement and consultation meeting with residents, business owners and other stakeholders at the Parika Market tarmac. Those present were informed of the scope of works set to commence in the coming weeks for phase one of the project.

According to information released on the ministry’s Facebook page, phase one includes “land reclamation and sea Defence on the North and South sides of the current stelling; and the construction of the main concrete stelling, all totaling under $5billion dollars.”

The three contractors set to execute the first phase of works were introduced during the meeting and they are Gaico Construction, Toolsie Persaud and A&S General Contractors.

 

Kaieteur News had reported that phase one entails three lots and the contractors were among 24 bidders who submitted bids to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office in May. Information reaching this publication revealed that A&S General Contractors was awarded a $619,707,760 contract, Toolsie Persaud Quarries Inc. was awarded its contract to the tune of $582,828,178, while Gaico Construction was awarded its part for $3,298,636,789. Together, the total cost of phase one is $4,501,172,727.

Further, the ministry reported that the stakeholders were urged to lend their full support during the relocation process to ensure the smooth execution of the works to be done.

After listening to concerns raised and noting that they will be addressed in a timely manner, Minister Edghill also informed those present that the operation of the ferry and water taxi services will not be interrupted during the construction phase.

“President Ali and his Cabinet is one of the most responsive government citizens have had and in those sessions of engagements and listening, we continue to deliver. What you’re seeing here wasn’t promised to you when we came for your vote in 2020. We have not just fulfilled our promises, we have exceeded what we said we will do. And so, President Ali and his cabinet must be allowed to bring more benefits to the people of Regions 2,3 and 7 as a result of this port but we must also give him an opportunity to remain in office and continue the development that is taking place countrywide. So, let’s continue to work together and stay the course, much more needs to be done,” he said during his remarks.

Kaieteur News reported that the project, which falls under the ministry’s capital programme for the year, forms part of the $9.9 billion that was budgeted to the agency to improve the country’s river transportation service.

Speaking about the project during this year’s budget presentation, Senior Minister with the responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, said a portion of the $9.9 billion will cater for the “Construction of a new Parika Ferry Stelling and Waterfront Development Project effectively transforming the Parika stelling into a major regional hub for transportation and socioeconomic activities and enhance operational efficiency, prioritise safety and guarantee commuters’ comfort.”

Additionally, the new modern port is aimed at increasing trade and tourism along the Essequibo Coast.

Kaieteur News understands that the upgrading of the stelling is also to facilitate the arrival of the new Regional Ferry Service that is said to operate out of Guyana from Parika.

It was reported that during his address at the opening ceremony of the 46th Regular Meeting of the Heads of Governments of CARICOM in February 2024, President Irfaan Ali said that Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados will soon launch a ferry service aimed at improving intra-regional transportation.

Additionally, speaking with residents of Hydronie back in April, he announced that they are looking to start work on the new modern port before July. “We are going to launch the first phase of converting Parika Stelling into a port. A port that will ship directly to the region and the first phase of that project, the tenders will be opened on the 2nd of May, and we hope that construction in the first phase will commence long before July,” he mentioned.

The head-of-state had announced that the new facility will include the construction of a marina to support the country’s tourism sector.

Notably, he said to support the port, they have to invest in some key infrastructure at Parika which would include the construction of a modern Customs and Immigration office, a modern Fire Service, a modern Coast Guard building, a modern Police Service, and importantly to support the farmers, they intend to invest in a modern storage facility.

The Parika Stelling, which borders the Essequibo River, serves not only as a passenger loading and offloading area, but also as a waterfront where farmers take their produce from the hinterland to sell.

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• Gaico Construction, Juan Edghill, Parika, Port Facility, Toolsie Persaud, Waterfront Development project

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