Linden Highway and Lethem hub top agenda as Roraima Governor visits Guyana

Efforts to fast-track the completion of the Linden-Lethem Road and develop Lethem into a major food and energy hub were high on the agenda during an official visit by the Governor of the State of Roraima, Mr. Antonio Olivério Garcia de Almeida, to Guyana on 4-5 July 2025.

Governor Almeida, who was accompanied by senior Roraima officials responsible for investment, agriculture, communication, and military affairs, met with President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and key members of his Cabinet at State House. The Guyanese delegation included the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Finance, Agriculture, Public Works and Tourism, along with the Foreign Secretary.

The high-level talks focused on deepening cooperation between Guyana and Northern Brazil, especially Roraima, with strategic priorities spanning agriculture, livestock, energy, infrastructure, technical exchanges, and increased private sector investment.

Top among the outcomes was a renewed commitment to complete the second phase of the Linden-Lethem Road Project, which both sides underscored as vital to boosting trade, connectivity, and food security for Guyana, Roraima and the wider Caribbean.

Additionally, plans were discussed to establish a food and livestock processing hub in Lethem to expand agricultural production and exports, alongside a proposed integrated energy complex through public-private partnerships, incorporating Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and other petroleum products.

To strengthen people-to-people ties and knowledge transfer, both sides agreed to pursue scholarship and exchange programmes between universities and research institutions in Guyana and Roraima, focusing on agriculture, technology and innovation.

Other areas of cooperation include improving customs and immigration procedures at the Lethem-Bonfim border crossing to boost efficiency and trade flows, and concluding a formal Memorandum of Understanding to advance these shared goals.

A joint working group will be set up with clear objectives and timelines to implement these initiatives and explore new opportunities for public and private sector collaboration.

The visit marks another step in Guyana’s efforts to build stronger economic links with its neighbours and position Lethem as a gateway for trade and investment connecting Brazil, Guyana and the Caribbean.