The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) is calling for greater clarity from authorities in both countries over the suspension of the MV Canawaima ferry service while urging immediate support for stranded passengers and transport operators and answers on when a replacement vessel will be deployed.

The Chamber, in a statement issued Monday, said the disruption is affecting passengers, businesses, transport operators and the movement of goods between Guyana and Suriname and has renewed concerns about the reliability of the critical cross-border link.

At the same time, the SGCC made it clear that the safety of passengers and crew must take precedence over efforts to restore the service but called for greater clarity amid differing positions over how urgently identified issues with the vessel must be addressed.