Irfaan Ali Urges Caribbean Governments to Modernise Ageing Ports

President Irfaan Ali urged public-private investment to modernise Caribbean ports, saying ageing facilities, limited cargo capacity and shallow waterways are slowing regional trade. He cited Guyana’s need for dredging and a deepwater port to support growth, connectivity and diversification, with feasibility studies and investor talks already underway.

Caribbean Shipping Association President William Brown urged the region to modernise ports, improve inter-Caribbean trade and connectivity, and build a stronger maritime workforce as shipping faces decarbonisation and digital change. Speaking in Guyana, he said these steps are key to keeping Caribbean ports competitive and making the industry more resilient.

President Irfaan Ali is urging a regional plan, backed by major development banks, to modernise Caribbean ports and attract private investment into infrastructure. He said high shipping costs are driving up living expenses and hurting competitiveness, a problem Guyana knows well as port congestion, delays and rising freight rates continue to disrupt imports and businesses.

President Irfaan Ali urged Caribbean governments to modernise ageing ports, saying many are over 50 years old and no longer fit today’s shipping needs. Speaking in Georgetown, he said underinvestment, shallow harbours and weak cargo facilities are slowing regional trade, and pointed to Guyana’s planned deepwater port as a model for public-private investment.