The technical mission headed by Brazil's Mr. Alfredo Moscoso is here to discuss initiatives put forth at the meeting of Ministers of Transport of South America, held in Ecuador recently.

Xavier said the "the hub is fairly completed already", with the only real missing connection being the Guyana road from Linden to Lethem, which is currently a trail that is in deplorable condition.

"That is the Government of Guyana's priority - to have this route really and truly move forward", he said after yesterday's meeting.

Sections of the trail are being upgraded, and Xavier hopes that it will be good enough in time for the annual Rupununi rodeo, scheduled for November.

Guyana is linked to Suriname via the Canawaima ferry service; Suriname also has a ferry link with French Guiana, and Brazil is making strong efforts to link with French Guiana, the minister noted.

This is the team's first visit to Guyana and it is expected to be back in a month's time.

The team is expected to leave Guyana tomorrow after meeting Prime Minister Sam Hinds to discuss matters of energy and communications, Xavier stated.

The second meeting of South American Presidents held in Guayaquil, Ecuador from July 26-27 discussed the Guyana-Brazil road link.

At the meeting, the Presidents reiterated the importance of expanding and strengthening regional infrastructure as an essential factor for the integration of South America's economic space.