Suriname and Guyana play cat and mouse game with Canawaima ferry

“Suriname has not complied with its obligations in the maintenance of the Canawaima ferry,” Guyana’s State Secretary Joseph Harmon told Kaieteur News. According to him, the Guyanese government has paid most, if not all, of the costs for the maintenance of the boat over the years. “This was done in an attempt to minimize the inconvenience for the customers of the ferry service and to give our neighbouring country the opportunity to fulfill its obligations. According to the memorandum of understanding from 1998, the costs for the maintenance of the boat should be divided equally between Guyana and Suriname. “That did not happen”, says Harmon.The State Secretary also made it clear that his country has no plans to take full responsibility for the financing of the joint enterprise. “This is in accordance with the bilateral agreement signed between the two countries, which indicates that both states have equal obligations when it comes to the ins and outs of this ferry service. This agreement is still present. Guyana is not obliged to finance the replacement of the service, either temporarily or permanently. The Joint Undertaking shall ensure that the joint revenue covers the joint expenses.” In a press release, Suriname’s minister Public Works Transport and Communication, Vijay Chotkan, indicated that he will do everything he can to have the ferry repaired quickly. “Technicians concluded that both engines of the ferry are defective. Given the seriousness of the situation, a letter has been sent to his Guyana counterpart. He was informed and he was also invited for an interview that should have taken place in the Nickerie District. However, the meeting was cancelled by Guyana at the last minute.” A public tender was held in which the company Migos made the lowest bid. “It is the intention for the boat to be operational again within two weeks to maintain the ferry connection between Suriname and Guyana.