AS the newly opened Schoonord to Crane four-lane highway nears a month in service, drivers and commuters are voicing their appreciation for the improved route, crediting President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his administration for delivering what many describe as a “much-needed” development for the West Side.
The highway, which stretches along the West Coast of Demerara, has drastically reduced traffic congestion while improving the daily lives of those who rely on it for work and personal travel.
Paul Ignatius, a self-defence instructor, AC technician, and part-time taxi driver from Georgetown, explained that the new highway has not only saved time but also boosted his earnings. Before the highway, traffic was so heavy that taxi drivers like Ignatius could only make a limited number of trips to and from Vreed-en-Hoop and other West Coast destinations. Now, he says, drivers can make multiple trips in a shorter time frame, benefitting both customers and themselves.
“I used to refuse jobs on the West Coast because of the traffic,” Ignatius said. “Now, whether I’m on a taxi job or going to fix an AC, I can get back to Georgetown quickly. I want to personally thank the President for these developments. It’s not just making traffic better—it’s giving us more opportunities to earn.”
Safety is also a major factor in the highway’s success. Ignatius praised the new road for being well lit at night, noting that this makes night-time driving much safer for all users.
Similarly, Jackie Williams, a single mother of two and a babysitter from Blankenburg, shared how the new highway has transformed her daily commute. Working in Providence, she used to leave her home at 05:00 hours to beat the traffic, often missing valuable time with her children. Now, thanks to the quicker commute, she leaves an hour later and still arrives on time for work.
“I love my job, but I was thinking of quitting because of the early mornings and late nights,” Williams said. “Now, I get home earlier and spend more time with my children. This road has saved my job. Thank you, President Ali; you built a road, but you saved my job.”
Williams also mentioned that her child, who recently earned a school placement from CXC exams, now benefits from the faster commute to school, making their mornings less stressful.
Truck drivers, too, have welcomed the highway’s opening. Mark (only name given), a truck driver from Region Two, who frequently travels between Parika, Georgetown, and Berbice explained that the long hours of stop-and-go traffic were causing him physical discomfort, particularly leg pain from constantly engaging the clutch and brake. With the new highway, those frustrations are largely gone.
“Driving for overs 20 years, I’ve seen a lot of bad conditions, and this highway is a big improvement. But I’d like to ask all drivers and pedestrians to use the road more responsibly,” Mark said. “It’s sad to see reckless behaviour. These roads are great, but we need to practise safe driving and work together to make the roads better.”
Mark urged drivers to remember the “five Cs” of road safety—care, caution, consideration, courtesy, and common sense—and called on the Guyana Police Force to hold accountable those who drive irresponsibly.
As commuters continue to adapt to the new highway, the consensus is clear — the Schoonord to Crane route has not only alleviated traffic and improved convenience, but it has also made a tangible difference in the lives of many. With continued responsible use, this major development promises to further enhance the quality of life for residents and commuters across the West Coast of Demerara.
