The Government of Guyana is aware of the concerns of members of the public on the suspension of the ferry service between Guyana and Suriname. The Government wishes to assure the public that since the beginning of this suspension, officials have been in constant and daily contact with their Surinamese counterparts to resolve the issue and have the service resume operations.

As stated previously, the responsibility for maintenance and drydocking of the M.V Canawaima falls under Suriname. In recent days two technical inspections were carried out by maritime experts from both Guyana and Suriname on the M.V. CANAWAIMA. Both countries’ experts concluded that the vessel can remain in operation until it goes into drydock within the next three months.

Despite these assurances which were provided in writing the Maritime Authority in Suriname (MAS) insisted that certain matters which would have been addressed during drydocking, should be undertaken immediately. The Government of Guyana supports safe travel of the public and maintains that public safety is priority.