Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill yesterday said that the MB Sandaka is available as a “substitute” vessel for travel between Guyana and Suriname although a date has not yet been set for resumption of the service.
“…….The Canawaima Ferry Service, the Ministry of Public Works with the support of the Transport and Harbours Department stands willing and ready at any moment to deploy the Sandaka to provide service between Guyana and Suriname,” Edghill said.
An agreement was made for travel to resume between the two countries on December 12, 2020.
However, this was suspended after a large number of Cuban nationals had gathered in Suriname, eager to travel to Guyana.
After authorities were informed, a decision was taken to postpone the restart of the service.
Travel between the countries was halted in March, 2020 following the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
A new timeline has not yet been set for resumption.
Edghill yesterday explained to reporters that the MV Canawaima, which has been out of operation since May, 2019, is still in dry dock.
He noted that this is not affecting the resumption of the service in any way since a substitute vessel is available.
“….There is no impediment to opening the crossing as it relates to the boat because there is a substitute vessel that is available to start working,” Edghill said.
In late May, 2019, the Management of the Guyana-Suriname Ferry Service, through the Department of Public Information (DPI) had announced the suspension of operations of the MV Canawaima until further notice.
Terminal Manager Gale Culley-Greene had told DPI that the Canawaima Ferry had been experiencing mechanical difficulties for some time and a decision was taken to have the vessel assessed and repaired.
The then Government had expressed concern at the inconvenience to travellers while saying that this country had been funding most of the maintenance over the years.
It had also noted that the vessel’s engine “had been limping for some time and [the ferry] was being towed by a tug” during its trips between the two countries.
According to Edghill, Head of the Maritime Administration Depart-ment (MARAD), Stephen Thomas along with two technical staff are currently making arrangements to travel to Suriname to inspect MV Canawaima.
He said the only difficulty they have been experiencing relates to the COVID-19 restrictions in place.
“…But they are making preparations. We were researching both air and water travel to get them there to do the inspection,” Edghill said.
Both countries had indicated that they will be approaching the private sector for a temporary operation of the Guyana-Suriname Ferry Service while the MV Canawaima undergoes necessary repairs.
