Effective yesterday, the M.B. Sandaka will be operating thrice per week between Guyana and Suriname and subject to approval by the regulatory authorities, the Canawaima Ferry could resume its daily service on October 24th.
These two agreements were reached on October 4th during a meeting between teams from Guyana and Suriname.
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, on 4th October 2021, led the team of Directors from the Boards of the Canawaima Management Company and the Canawaima Ferry Service Inc for a meeting with their Surinamese counterparts in Nickerie to discuss the operations of the ferry plying the Moleson Creek-South Drain route. The Surina-mese delegation was led by Minister of Transport, Communications and Tourism, Albert Jubithana.
A statement on the Ministry of Public Works’ Facebook page said that among the agenda items discussed were the readiness of the Canawaima vessel to resume operations after an extensive period in dry-dock, the development of an online booking platform, the auditing of the accounts, and several management, operational and financial matters.
It was agreed that:
● Effective from Monday 11th October 2021 the M.B. Sandaka which is currently plying the route will operate three times per week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The vessel is currently operating twice per week. The increase in service will abide with all COVID-19 regulations from the health authorities in both countries.
● Subject to a joint final inspection and approval from regulatory maritime authorities, the Canawaima Ferry will resume daily service on 24th October, 2021.
● Joint Terms of Reference will be drafted and advertised for the hiring of a consultant to assess the booking systems with a view to proposing an online booking platform.
The release said that Edghill in his opening remarks stated that it is important to have a service where there is a greater level of accountability, transparency and shared information. He added that there is a need for a new approach on how the Canawaima Ferry is managed and dealt with. Despite historical issues, under the new administrations of both countries, a new approach and cooperation built on shared partnership will be instituted, the release said. Guyana’s minister lauded his counterpart for embracing this approach.
Over the years, maintenance of the Canawaima has been a sore topic between Guyana and Suriname.
