-Suriname-Guyana Chamber urges immediate assistance
The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) yesterday called on authorities in both countries to provide immediate assistance to passengers stranded by the suspension of the MV Canawaima ferry service and to give a clear timeline for its resumption.
The chamber also sought clarification on when a replacement vessel would be deployed, saying the latest disruption underscored the need for a dedicated secondary vessel and, eventually, investment in a new ferry.
In a statement, the SGCC said it was concerned about the effects of the suspension on passengers, transport operators, businesses and the movement of goods between Guyana and Suriname.
It said that while passenger and crew safety must remain paramount, greater clarity was required on the condition of the vessel, the outstanding requirements identified by the Maritime Authority Suriname (MAS) and the work needed before the ferry could return to service.
The chamber referred to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill’s statement that recent inspections involving maritime experts from Guyana and Suriname had found that the vessel could remain in operation pending dry-docking within three months.
It noted, however, that MAS had determined that some matters which were expected to be dealt with during dry-docking should be addressed immediately.
Citing a report by Suriname Nieuws Centrale, the SGCC said an assessment conducted by Marine Consulting & Survey on August 21 identified significant corrosion which required further examination and remedial work.
According to the chamber, the assessment found no leakage and concluded that the vessel could remain in operation for three months pending dry-docking. It also identified outstanding documentation and certification requirements, while further thickness measurements and repair work were scheduled to begin yesterday.
The SGCC said public confidence in the service required transparency about the conflicting technical positions, the findings of subsequent evaluations and the steps necessary for the vessel’s safe return.
It said immediate attention should be given to passengers and transport operators stranded on both sides of the Corentyne River.
“Many travelled with the reasonable expectation that the service was operational and now face unplanned expenditure for accommodation, transportation, fuel and other necessities, with no certainty as to how long the disruption may continue,” the chamber said.
It urged the authorities and ferry operators to say what assistance or alternative travel arrangements would be offered, particularly to passengers unable to afford an extended delay.
Kiskadee Watch reported on Sunday that scores of Guyanese had been stranded at Nickerie in Suriname and Moleson Creek in Guyana after the vessel was withdrawn from service last Friday.
Passengers complained that they were not receiving updates and were reluctant to leave the queues for accommodation out of fear that they would lose their places if operations resumed.
One woman said her group, which included eight children between the ages of three and 14, had spent the night at the port after travelling there in the belief that the earlier problems with the ferry had been resolved.
“We want to go home. There isn’t anywhere else we can go,” she said. “We don’t want to take the chance to leave. At least tell us something.”
Some travellers also complained about increasing expenditure on hotels, food, fuel and transportation, while others said they might be forced to remain in their vehicles.
The service had announced that the restriction on the ferry was lifted following an August 13 re-inspection after concerns had been raised over outstanding safety and technical deficiencies. It said at the time that ferry services could continue while further technical follow-up was undertaken.
Days later, however, the vessel was again withdrawn, initially for what was described as “scheduled works” and later because of “technical problems.” No date has been given for the resumption of service.
The SGCC yesterday asked the authorities to state whether the current intervention would affect or accelerate the vessel’s planned dry-docking and what safe interim arrangements were being considered to maintain cross-border travel.
It also requested a clear indication of when a replacement vessel would be deployed.
Under the joint-venture arrangement governing the service, Guyana supplies the fuel, lubricants and batteries required for the ferry’s daily operations, while Suriname is responsible for maintenance and dry-docking.
The chamber said the Canawaima was more than a passenger service, describing it as a critical economic and social connection which facilitated trade, tourism, investment and the daily movement of people and goods.
The ferry service has experienced recurring mechanical, maintenance and management problems. In 2019, the vessel was taken out of operation because of mechanical difficulties and at one stage had to be pulled by a tug. It was again suspended in September 2022 following an engine failure.
The chamber had submitted a public-private partnership proposal to the governments of Guyana and Suriname in February last year for the management of the service. It said it remained prepared to discuss that proposal and other long-term solutions with both governments.
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