Lethem crossing now open every day; COVID tests, vaccination still required

The Guyana/Brazil crossing at the Takutu Bridge at Lethem in Region Nine (Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo) is now open from Mondays to Sundays, according to the National COVID-19 Task Force.

An advisory from the Task Force, signed by its Director Colonel Nazrul Hussain, was issued on Friday (February 18).

A November 15, 2021 notice from the Task Force has indicated that this crossing would be open from Mondays to Fridays after months of limited crossings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new advisory, however, noted that the new changes to allow travel across the two countries took immediate effect.

The crossing is open from 08:00 hrs to 16:30 hrs daily.

Importantly, though, travellers must still present the negative result of a COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of their travels. They must also present proof of vaccination.  This is in keeping with the travel guidelines details in Guyana’s national COVID-19 regulations.

Meanwhile, the Bon Fim (Brazil) City Hall, in a Facebook post, highlighted that the new travel arrangement at the crossing was made in response to a request made by Mayor Joner Chagas.

This request was reportedly made on Wednesday last when representatives of the Guyanese government visited Bon Fim. Those representatives, the News Room understands, were accompanying Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley during her visit to Region Nine.

Mayor Chagas, reportedly, expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips; the Prime Minister heads the Task Force.  Chagas also hailed the good relationship that Guyana and Brazil share.