Guyana and Suriname to bridge countries, establish working committees on local content
Both Guyana and Suriname face similar economic challenges. But only a unified and strategic approach can ensure the two CARICOM nations surpass such obstacles and achieve their development goals. In recognition of this reality, President Irfaan Ali and Surinamese President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, told the media that they have agreed to establish a working committee aimed at finding solutions to stimulate economic growth.
Formed at the policy and technical level and buttressed by the private sector of Guyana and Suriname, this working committee will seek to lay the framework that will improve multiple sectors such as health, infrastructure, education, agriculture, Information and Computer Technology (ICT), and security. Considering that both countries are oil producers, specific attention will be given to how both nations can collaborate on this front. In providing an example of what this could look like, President Ali said that there would be a jointengagement that will improve Local Content through the training of the citizens, so that they are prepared to reap the benefits from the lucrative petroleum industry.
President Ali further highlighted that by setting out this new agenda, it will ensure that the governments strategically position themselves to not only benefit, but to ensure that the people benefit from a transparent process. “We also recognize,” President Ali said, “that we need to set out an agenda that is proactive with deadlines; an agenda with greater involvement with stakeholders in the society of both countries - especially the private sector.” Against this background, Ali noted that both governments have also discussed ways in which the private sector of Suriname and Guyana will collaborate and be part of this “transformational landscape that can bring tremendous benefits” to the countries.
Ali also emphasized the need for time-bound objectives, as he shared with the media, the plan of action to reopen the ferry service in the Corentyne River. He explained that the Ministers of Health for both countries “are to almost immediately begin collaboration on the protocols and to put systems in place for a review so that we can move expeditiously in returning and opening up in a manner that can bring back normalcy.”
Ali said that these systems, however, must be executed with strict COVID-19 restrictions for one has to bear in mind the reality of the pandemic and the need to ensure that systems are there to support the decisions that will be made. The bridging of the Corentyne River was another objective on which discussions were held. The President indicated that both governments have begun immediate discussions and technical work to fast track this project. (Kaieteur News)