Guyana and Suriname in talks to get ferry service to normalcy

–Govt hints at having an independent ferry traversing the route

–backtrack operation will not be encouraged

By Isaiah Braithwaite

DPI, Guyana, Friday, May 31, 2019

The non-operation of the M.V Canawaima, which falls under the management of the Guyana-Suriname Ferry Service has caught the attention of President David Granger and his Surinamese counterpart President Dési Bouterse. This comes after the M.V Canawaima encountered mechanical problems forcing its operations between the two countries to stop.

Director-General (DG) at the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon made this disclosure at today’s post-Cabinet press briefing.

“The issues of the ferry are issues which have engaged the attention of the two leaders, President Granger and President Bouterse, at a high-level meeting which was held here in Guyana,” the Director-General informed.

Operations of the vessel came to a halt on May 27, 2019. The Canawaima is operated by both Governments on a six-month rotation basis. However, it was further revealed that Guyana may have to consider having its own vessel traversing the route.

“We have done what we needed to do as far as our obligations under the arrangements are and so it is really now a matter of getting the two sides together to sit down and recognise that this is a service which the people are depending on and if it becomes necessary, I believe the Minister of Public Infrastructure has already started to contemplate whether in fact, we may have to put a vessel there ourselves,” the Director-General disclosed.

With the Canawaima down, this weekend the M.V Sandaka will ply the route to assist stranded passengers.

During the press briefing, speculations were made surrounding the use of the ‘backtrack’ route to enter either countries. However, the Director-General made it clear that it is not something the Government of Guyana will encourage, as it is illegal to do so.

Image: Giovanni Gajie