Guyana denies any previous knowledge of Suriname’s new plan to build Corentyne Bridge on its own

The Government of Guyana has denied that it had any discussions with Suriname on that country’s decision to finance the Corentyne Bridge on its own.

The Surinamese Government in a statement indicated that Guyana was informed of its decision since back in May, but in a response on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs made it clear that there were no such discussions and Guyana was never previously informed of any such decision.

The Foreign Ministry reminded that from the inception of the initiative, the bridge has been conceived as a joint project, explaining that given its cross-border character, it has always been understood by both Governments that the planning, financing, construction, operation, and management of the bridge would be matters for joint consideration and agreement.

“Indeed, the statement issued by Suriname today acknowledges that the Joint Technical Working Group has been mandated to continue discussions on the financial, technical, and operational aspects of the project. This is itself confirmation that financing has always been recognized as a matter requiring joint deliberation and agreement, rather than a unilateral determination by either Party”, the Ministry said.

The statement also indicated that that dedicated bilateral discussions on the construction of the Corentyne River Bridge were formally advanced following the conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding in 2020 between the Governments of Guyana and Suriname during the administration of President Chandrikapersad Santokhi.

The Foreign Ministry said since that time, both Governments have consistently proceeded on the basis that the bridge is a shared strategic undertaking requiring joint planning and implementation.

The two countries had jointly engaged prospective development partners with a view to securing financing for the project.

“Guyana wishes to categorically state that in the meeting held on May 15, there was no discussion on financing of the bridge or a signal of departure from the collaborative approach that has guided the project from its inception. Contrary to the impression now being conveyed publicly, Guyana has never been informed through the established bilateral mechanisms that the Government of Suriname intended to assume sole responsibility for financing the bridge. Had such a proposal been formally advanced, Guyana would have considered it through the appropriate diplomatic and technical channels. No such proposal has been presented”, the Foreign Ministry noted.

It said if the Government of Suriname has reconsidered its position on the financing arrangements, the appropriate course is not to communicate such a significant policy shift through public statements, since it believes that matters of this nature should first be raised directly with the Government of Guyana through the established bilateral framework, thereby allowing for a constructive exchange of views and a considered response.

The Government of Guyana said it remains firmly committed to the realization of the Corentyne River Bridge and continues to believe that the project should proceed on the basis of transparency, mutual respect, consultation, and decisions reached jointly by both Governments.

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