Guyana/Suriname ferry service to reopen fully for daily operations

In a statement, the Ministry of Works announced that a delegation from Guyana led by Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, recently met with Surinamese authorities to discuss the operations of the ferry service and some agreements were reached.

Guyana/Suriname ferry service to reopen fully for daily operations

The Guyana-Suriname ferry service will resume full daily operations on the 24th October, subject to a joint final inspection and approval from regulatory maritime authorities

The regular ferry service was suspended last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Crossings were eventually allowed for two days in the week.

In a statement, the Ministry of Works announced that a delegation from Guyana led by Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, recently met with Surinamese authorities to discuss the operations of the ferry service and some agreements were reached.

The teams have also agreed that effective from Monday 11th October 2021, the M.B. Sandaka which is currently plying the route will operate three (3) times per week – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. That vessel is currently operating twice per week. The increase in service will follow all COVID-19 regulations from the health authorities in both countries.

A joint Terms of Reference will also be drafted and advertised for the hiring of a consultant to assess the booking systems with a view to propose an online booking platform.

The Public Works Ministry has explained that the two sides discussed the readiness of the Canawaima vessel to resume operations after an extensive period in dry-dock, the development of an online booking platform for the ferry service among others.

Minister Edghill informed the delegation that it is important to have a service where there is greater level of accountability, transparency, and shared information.

β€œAt the end of the day, it is about the interest of the people of both countries and as such the transportation system linking both sides must be developed,” the release quoted Edghill as saying.

The Minister also spoke of the need for a new approach on how Canawaima Ferry is managed and dealt with. He said despite historical issues, under the new administrations of both countries, a new approach and cooperation built on shared partnership will be instituted.

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