United States (U.S.) Secretary of State Marco Rubio has delivered a scathing critique of Guyana’s recently constructed Heroes Highway, describing it as “dangerous” and the result of a “terrible job” by contractors. The Secretary of State didn’t mince words, stating, “If you did that job in America, someone would sue you for a lot of money.”
Rubio, who experienced the road firsthand during his official visit to Guyana on Thursday, described the ride as so rough that it nearly caused him a “concussion,” using the American definition of concussion as a violent impact causing impaired brain function.
The Heroes Highway, a $13.3 billion (US$65 million) project commissioned by President Irfaan Ali in December 2023, was supposed to be a major infrastructure milestone for Guyana.
Instead, Rubio likened it to a badly paved secondary route rather than a vital national highway. “You’re better off with the dirt road,” he added, pointing out that “if you’re gonna build a road …have a real road.”
Rubio’s comments have drawn attention to what many Guyanese have long known: the nation is getting little value for its money. The road’s construction, which was carried out by 12 local contractors with strong ties to the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), has sparked widespread criticism.
Light poles jutting into traffic, poorly designed concrete dividers, and a lack of pedestrian infrastructure are just a few of the glaring safety issues. Experts have warned that the road’s design, far from being built with safety in mind, will inevitably lead to accidents.
“The road is a disaster,” one local expert stated. “It’s poorly constructed, and the government continues to ignore the legitimate concerns of the people.”
Rubio’s blunt assessment mirrors the frustrations felt by many Guyanese citizens, who are increasingly questioning the quality of infrastructure projects funded by massive state loans. With a significant portion of the national budget allocated to infrastructure, taxpayers are left wondering where their money is going, especially when faced with substandard projects like the Heroes Highway.
Despite widespread public outrage, the PPP government has yet to address the growing concerns about the quality and safety of these projects. But Rubio’s remarks, which were made during a press briefing in Suriname, have brought international attention to the issue, leaving many to hope that the government will now be forced to act. “Now that the U.S. Secretary of State has spoken out, perhaps the PPP will finally hisse attention,” one local citizen said, echoing a sentiment shared by many.
The Alliance For Change (AFC) has also weighed in, sending a letter to Secretary Rubio to clarify that the road was built by local contractors, not the Chinese, as Rubio initially suggested. This clarification highlights the broader issue of cronyism and questionable contracting practices tied to the PPP.