Guyana opens bridge that connects it to Venezuela

Guyana has unveiled a $40 million bridge that connects the South American country to Venezuela. The government anticipates the half-mile Berbice River Bridge will increase trade and tourism between the two countries. It also is expected to ease traffic headed east toward Suriname and French Guiana. The bridge eliminates an up to three-hour wait for ferries that often break down during the 20-minute trip across the river. Officials struggled for decades to finance the project. A group of private and public entities finally agreed to help last year. The government on Tuesday waived an $11 toll for cars and allowed people to walk across the bridge.