The moment has arrived for the private sector in Guyana to collaborate and address significant business operations, driving the nation’s economic advancement. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali emphasized this message on Friday during the unveiling of two mobile harbor cranes by Cranes Guyana Inc. at Port Georgetown. These cranes, named Atlas and Hercules, have been funded by the Inter-American Development Bank and are specifically designed to accommodate panamax-class vessels. With a lifting capability of 125 tonnes and an operational reach of 49 meters, they will facilitate quicker and safer cargo offloading.
This ambitious project is a partnership between Muneshwers Limited and John Fernandes Limited, both of which are pivotal figures in the logistics industry. President Ali praised this initiative, highlighting the importance of resource pooling and expertise sharing, and encouraged other local private enterprises to pursue similar collaborative ventures. He remarked that this alliance signifies a courageous and forward-thinking approach to seizing opportunities within the oil and gas sector.
“It is the private sector that must drive this country forward in a progressive, innovative, and dynamic manner. The role of the government is to create an enabling environment, and we are committed to doing just that,” stated President Ali. He urged the local private sector to expand their horizons and establish strategic partnerships to address the changing demands across various fields, particularly in light of numerous transformative infrastructure projects underway, including the gas-to-energy facility and the Berbice Deep Water port.
The president acknowledged the challenges currently facing the shipping industry, such as limited waterfront land and traffic congestion. He revealed that the government has earmarked capital resources in the 2025 budget to tackle these issues. “I take pride in leading a government focused on finding solutions, prioritizing the needs of the people, and forging a stronger Guyana that can lead the region. I assure you that we will confront these challenges directly,” he affirmed.
Phillip Fernandes, CEO of John Fernandes Limited and Director of Cranes Guyana Inc., remarked on the competitive nature between the two companies, which ultimately led them to unite to enhance their capabilities. He pointed out that previous conditions in Guyana, including low cargo volumes, made the venture impractical, as vessels had to transport their cranes for loading and unloading tasks. Fernandes emphasized that the current economic climate, buoyed by the government’s efforts to foster a positive business environment, presents an ideal opportunity for critical investments aimed at modernizing operations and improving efficiency. Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, and Minister of Labour Joseph Hamilton were also present at the event.
