Noting that it is aware of the concerns of the traveling public over the suspension of the ferry service between Guyana and Suriname, the Government of Guyana today said Suriname has turned down a proposal for an alternative vessel to ply the route while the MV Canawaima remains dry-docked for maintenance.

In a statement, the Government said since the beginning of the suspension of the service, officials from Guyana have been in constant and daily contact with their Surinamese counterparts to resolve the issue and have the service resume operations.

According to the statement, the responsibility for maintenance and drydocking of the M.V Canawaima falls under Suriname. It was explained that in recent days, two technical inspections were carried out by maritime experts from both Guyana and Suriname on the M.V. CANAWAIMA, and those experts concluded that the vessel can remain in operation until it goes into drydock within the next three months.

But despite those assurances, the Maritime Authority in Suriname (MAS) has insisted that certain matters which would have been addressed during drydocking, should be undertaken immediately.

The Government of Guyana noted that it supports safe travel of the public and maintains that public safety is priority. It said the proposal of an alternative vessel to operate the route was turned down by the Surinamese authorities and despite this, the Government of Guyana is seeking to propose another alternative vessel to the Surinamese authorities, even as engagements continue to ensure the current service can resume even on a short-term basis.

“In addition to these measures, immigration service is still provided to persons travelling to Suriname by small boats. Such persons are required to report to the immigration office at the Moleson Creek Terminal for immigration processing upon departure. Upon arrival in Suriname, they are required to report to the Immigration Office in New Nickerie. When departing Suriname, persons must report to the respective immigration offices”, the statement noted.

Suriname’s surprised decision to take the ferry out of service for immediate maintenance has left hundreds of passengers and cargo stranded on both sides of the border.

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