Conflicting statements from the governments of Guyana and Suriname have cast uncertainty over the future of the proposed Corentyne River Bridge, with President Irfaan Ali insisting the project remains a joint initiative while Suriname says it intends to finance and construct the bridge on its own.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, President Ali said his government has received no official communication indicating that the longstanding agreement between the two countries has changed.

“I have not received anything officially other than what is in the media,” the President said in response to reports that Suriname plans to proceed independently.