Edghill engages Lethem truckers as Guyana prepares for cross-border transport boom with Brazil

Guyana is set to strengthen its position as a regional trade and logistics hub, with the International Road Transport Agreement (IRTA) with Brazil expected to transform cross-border transport, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, has said.

On Friday, Minister Edghill met with truckers operating along the Georgetown–Brazil corridor in Lethem, Region Nine, to discuss how the agreement will formalise road transport, address operational concerns, and open new business opportunities for local operators.

“Our goal is to move beyond survival or small-scale hustles. We want a system that allows you, your families, and our country to leapfrog into a higher level of trade and economic influence,” Edghill told attendees.

The IRTA, expected to be fully implemented before the end of 2025, will regulate both passenger and cargo transport between the two countries. It aims to simplify licensing, customs, and security procedures, providing clarity for operators while encouraging investment, tourism, and regional economic integration.

Under the agreement, the Ministry of Home Affairs will manage Guyana’s implementation, while Brazil’s National Land Transport Agency (ANTT) will handle oversight in Brazil. Operators must register their businesses, provide key documentation such as TINs and vehicle licences, and appoint a legal representative in Brazil. Successful applicants will receive an official operating licence, with a supplemental ANTT licence to be obtained within 120 days.

Minister Edghill also highlighted supporting infrastructure being developed to facilitate safe and efficient cross-border operations. Plans include air-conditioned container storage, multi-agency border facilities for police, customs, immigration, and anti-narcotics units, and the installation of container scanners at the Takutu Bridge and Lethem crossing by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

“This is more than just moving goods—it’s about creating a structured, secure, and profitable system that benefits operators, communities, and the nation,” Edghill said.

He added that the government is progressing plans for a deep-water harbour, which would bolster Guyana’s role in regional shipping, trade, and logistics, complementing the IRTA initiative and positioning the country as a key economic gateway in South America.

Observers say the agreement could provide a significant boost to hinterland economies, allowing local truckers and logistics companies to expand operations, access new markets, and formalise business practices previously conducted informally.

The Lethem engagement reflects the government’s broader effort to ensure hinterland communities benefit directly from national economic initiatives, aligning local opportunities with regional development strategies.