"Make no mistake about it, it is a top priority of the Government and we will find the resources, one way or the other, either through a private/public partnership, a public-funded project or a solely funded project, it will happen," he told reporters at State House on Thursday afternoon.

The project, which was due to commence late last year, did not get off the ground due to several setbacks.

On March 15, last year, Ballast Nedam International (BNI), a Dutch company in association with FINCOR, which had won the bid for the construction, announced its withdrawal, stating that it had less to do with the project but more with the company refocusing its business to projects where it had the greatest advantage.

The arrangement with the Guyana Government would have seen BNI constructing the bridge as a Build, Own, Operate and Transfer project, meaning that after it had recouped its capital, the project would have been handed over to the Guyana Government.

The President in response to a query Thursday, said the Government is exploring with some other groups the possibility of financing the bridge.

Asked whether the Government is no longer in negotiations with the second consortium, Mr. Jagdeo said it appears as though, they (consortium) may not reach agreement because of what the company wants - the level of participation from the Government.

Reminded that this was the second time that negotiations with group bidders have fallen through and asked whether the Government intends to review the process, the President acknowledged that an examination of the framework is already being undertaken.

He said this was being done because it was realised that although the project was tendered, and many of the companies that responded are reputable, they have had some difficulties in raising the necessary financing.