SURINAME-Suriname, Guyana joint ministerial committee meets.

PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC—Guyana and Suriname reiterated the importance of a fixed connection between the two Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries as they discussed the financing modalities for the construction of the Corantijn/Corentyne river bridge before the end of this year.

A joint statement issued following Tuesday’s meeting of the Ministerial Committee of Suriname and Guyana said the event was held “as part of the ongoing process to pursue this project initiated by President Chandrikapersad Santokhi and President Irfaan Ali in November 2020.”

It said both sides reiterated the importance of a fixed connection between the two countries to advance economic opportunities, connect the road network between Guyana and Suriname, and ultimately enhance hemispheric connectivity with Brazil and the rest of the South American continent.

It is also intended to facilitate people-to-people contacts, and in this regard, “both sides reiterated their commitment to a timely construction of the bridge.”

The statement said a number of specific recommendations regarding construction, financing, and management emanating from this Ministerial meeting set out a clear time-bound framework to take this initiative to the next level.

“Following these decisions, construction could commence before the end of 2024. These recommendations will be submitted to the Presidents of Suriname and Guyana for further consideration and decision at their anticipated meeting this weekend in Guyana.”

The Suriname delegation was led by Albert Ramdin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation, while the Guyana delegation was led by Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and the Public Service.

“We have issued a joint statement with all six ministers—of Suriname and Guyana—to draw up a number of recommendations to be assessed by the heads of state of both countries,” Ramdin said, noting that if these are approved, both presidents will decide regarding progress and which company to work with.

“We hope that after this weekend, we will know exactly what choices the governments have made, and on that basis, a follow-up process will be initiated regarding negotiations with specific companies as well as negotiations regarding the management, management, and financing of the bridge,” said Ramdin.