Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, underscored the government’s commitment to working with regional and local authorities to continue Lethem’s transformation into a leading economic and cultural hub within the hinterland.
During his feature address at the Lethem Town Council Anniversary Celebration, held in observance of the 10th Anniversary of Lethem’s township under the theme “Unity in Diversity: Celebrating Lethem’s Multicultural Community”, the Prime Minister commended residents for preserving their traditions while embracing the opportunities created through national policy.
He reflected on the town’s history and rapid transformation over recent decades.
“Lethem has evolved from a remote frontier settlement into a more connected centre, serving ranching, cross-border trade, indigenous communities, and now, broader national infrastructure.”
He added, “Today, Lethem stands at the threshold of a new era. With ongoing investments in infrastructure, tourism, and trade, it is rapidly emerging as a vast economic hub that connects Guyana’s hinterland to the region and, by extension, the world.”
Speaking on national policies, Prime Minister Phillips emphasised the Government’s deliberate approach to development with the aim of expanding infrastructure and services beyond the coastal belt to ensure that the hinterland benefits equitably from national growth.
“Policies aimed at integrating the hinterland with the coast and neighbouring countries have opened up markets, broadened opportunities, and raised the prospect of sustainable regional development. When connectivity improves, so do opportunity and inclusion.”
He highlighted the extension of financial and institutional services, including financial services, insurance, institutional presence, and youth- and family-oriented programmes, as a sign that Lethem is an integral part of Guyana’s mainstream economy.
“The opening of a branch of Hand-in-Hand Mutual Fire & Life Insurance Companies marks another milestone, bringing essential financial and risk-management services to residents and businesses. Local entrepreneurs and families can now access the kind of institutional support needed to invest, grow, and build resilience.”
The Prime Minister went on to state that the Government’s clear commitment to developing aviation, tourism, agro-processing, and health infrastructure is aimed at raising living standards, increasing employment opportunities, and strengthening communities in places like Lethem.
He highlighted several recent and ongoing developments that demonstrate the Government’s commitment to transforming Lethem into a thriving regional centre.
Bids, he explained, have been opened for the construction, financing, ownership, and management of a new regional airport, which will span 2,000 hectares of supporting infrastructure.
Identified as one of 11 new tourism-related projects in Region Nine, the airport will enhance air connectivity and strengthen links for exports, imports, tourism, and regional trade.
He also referenced the Government’s continued investment in transportation infrastructure, recalling that during his first term as Prime Minister, significant works were completed along the Linden–Lethem road, including the construction of several new concrete bridges to replace older wooden structures.
Prime Minister Phillips further emphasised the administration’s commitment to advancing the full upgrade of the Linden–Lethem corridor and outlined future plans for rail and road connections linking Lethem directly to the coast, which he described as a critical step in national integration and trade expansion.
Ongoing advancements in healthcare, housing, and social services were also highlighted. He pointed to the turning of the sod for the new Lethem Regional Hospital, now under construction, and noted that housing expansion in Lethem continues to support population growth and community stability. Upgrades to the Linden–Lethem Trail are also improving connectivity for goods, people, and essential services across the region.
“Together, these initiatives align with the national vision of transforming Lethem into a major economic and travel hub. It is no longer just a border town, but an important link in Guyana’s expanding network of commerce, tourism, and opportunity.”
Addressing residents directly, the Prime Minister called for community ownership and leadership in sustaining progress.
“You have in Lethem both heritage and promise. Your traditional values—community, service, the land, the savannah—are assets. As you engage with modernity, hold tight to those values. Let them guide how you build your town, how you shape your economy, how you raise your children.”
Prime Minister Phillips also reminded residents that Lethem’s development is both a local and national success story.
“Lethem has moved from being at the edge of the country to being at the heart of a vision. Your anniversary is an invitation to honour your past, embrace your present, and seize your future. You have a town that stands at a border yet looks to many horizons. That is your strength. You have people rooted in the savannah yet open to the world. That is your advantage.”
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