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Public Safety Risk on the new Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge

Mar 21, 2026 Letters

Dear Editor,

I wish to bring to public attention a troubling incident that occurred on the new Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge on the afternoon of 19th March 2026, between 6:10 pm and 6:30 pm, which raises serious concerns about pedestrian safety on this critical national infrastructure.

While walking along the designated pedestrian walkway with a colleague on my first crossing of the bridge this way, we were approached by a small black vehicle traveling eastbound along the bridge, carrying at least three occupants. As the vehicle slowed down near us, one of the occupants threw a glass bottle in our direction.

The bottle narrowly missed us and, due to the strong winds on the bridge, ricocheted back toward the vehicle, where it shattered. An occupant seated at the rear screamed, after which the vehicle slowed briefly before hastily departing the scene.

This incident could easily have resulted in serious injury or worse. A glass bottle thrown from a moving vehicle becomes a dangerous projectile, particularly in an exposed and elevated environment such as the new Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge. Had the bottle struck either of us, the consequences could have included head trauma, loss of balance, or worse, loss of sight and severe cuts.

This is not merely an isolated act of mischief; it reflects a broader gap in the enforcement and monitoring of the infrastructure that thousands of citizens rely on daily. The bridge is used not only by vehicular traffic but also by pedestrians, including individuals who walk for exercise or necessity. Acts such as this undermine public confidence and raise legitimate concerns about safety.

I urge the relevant authorities to take proactive steps to address these risks, including increased patrols, improved surveillance, and stronger enforcement against reckless endangerment. Preventative action is essential to ensure that a more serious or fatal incident does not occur in the future.

Public infrastructure must be safe for all users. Incidents of this nature should not be dismissed, as they point to vulnerabilities that require urgent attention.

Yours faithfully,

Tracy Smith  

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