…pledge cooperation to combat COVID-19

ALTHOUGH both sides of the Guyana- Suriname border remain closed, following measures put in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus, the two countries have decided to immediately implement measures to ensure that residents of riverine communities are able to commute and conduct their businesses, to and from points within their respective countries, under proper surveillance.

Such surveillance will be in place in order to ensure that the protocols to combat the spread of the virus are not compromised, the two countries noted in a joint statement on Tuesday.

This follows a meeting between officials of Guyana and Suriname, who met via video conference on Monday, with a view to establishing modalities for cooperation to combat the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Both sides underscored the importance of operating in a spirit of cooperation and strong solidarity, in an effort to fight the disease, the joint statement read.

It was noted that the two sides emphasised that the arrangements that have been put in place for persons to use the Corentyne River will respect the fact that their respective borders remain closed, and that their nationals must not endeavour to enter into each other’s territory.

In this regard, the two parties have established a mechanism for information sharing between the relevant institutions and agencies of the two countries to allow for the conduct of legitimate movements on the Corentyne River, and to prevent illegal activities, including the movement of persons and goods between the two countries.

The two sides reiterated their commitment to continue to work together to meet the challenges posed by the global pandemic.

The two sides discussed the need for cooperation in the areas of health, security, immigration and social protection, to strengthen both their national and collective responses to the crisis caused by the global pandemic.

They noted that both countries have instituted measures, in accordance with international guidelines, in order to stop the spread of the virus amongst their citizens. The parties highlighted their successes and challenges of managing the disease on the medical front and agreed to establish a mechanism for information sharing between their health personnel.

They noted the importance of maintaining a healthy and safe population to minimize the effects of the disease.

Recently, residents of the riverine villages of Orealla and Siparuta were worried that their food and other supplies were running low, citing their inability to use the Corentyne River to travel to the port of Corriverton. This development took place during the first week in April after Surinamese authorities implemented a nationwide lockdown in light of global concerns surrounding the spread of the coronavirus.

The move by Suriname to restrict use of the Corentyne River also impacted Guyanese fishermen who usually play their trade along the river.