‘Your jobs are secure’ – Pres. Ali assures old Demerara Bridge staff

President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Saturday morning met with the staff of the old Demerara Harbour Bridge, where he assured them that their jobs are safe even as the new Demerara River Bridge comes into operation on Sunday.

“As president and as a government, we appreciate you, we recognise the tremendous work that you have done and I do not want you to believe this new bridge displaces your work or your contribution. Your contribution to the development of the bridge and more bridges will continue unbroken.

“Not a single one of you have to worry about displacement or the security of your job,” President Ali told the staff.

He also noted that the government is working to finalise the relocation of the old bridge and determine its future placement. Already, plans have been made for a section of the bridge to be used to connect Timehri and Sandhills.

Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, further assured workers that no one will be displaced during the transition. Edghill said the General Manager of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, Wayne Watson has already submitted the complete staff skillset and years of service to guide the reassignment process. To support this process, a Human Resources team will be assessing the skills available among staff.

Some staff will be relocated to Sandhills, Timehri while others will fill existing vacancies at other government ministries or agencies.

For those required to move an assessment will be done to determine which personnel will be at the new Demerara River Bridge.