OVER the years, Guyana and Suriname have enjoyed good relations. In fact, travel and economic activity between the two countries have been booming.
Thousands of Guyanese and Surinamese are ferried across the river by boat each year for business, enjoyment or to reconnect or visit relatives and friends.
There are many who would like to visit, but the thought of having to use a speedboat or even the ferry to cross this enormous river quickly turns to fear.
Water scares many people and so when it was announced that the two countries were discussing building a bridge, many welcomed the idea.

It ignited thoughts of a quicker, less stressful voyage between the two shores. It could eliminate the rush to get to the stelling for the schedule trips or the long wait to board.
The occasional suspension of the ferry due mainly to mechanical issues was another irritating situation, which often times forced many reluctant passengers to use the backtrack boats that are moored at specific locations on both sides on the river.

In November 2020, during a three-day visit by President, Dr. Irfaan Ali to Suriname, the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate the joint bridging of the river.
This occurred following visits to the bridge’s landing areas in Guyana and Suriname and Long Island (Lange Island) in the middle of the river where the two-section bridge will be connected.
Earlier this week the design was unveiled. It was further disclosed that after the bidding process closes on August 1, both countries will evaluate those bids and they should be ready to sign a bridge building contract by October.

This ought to be exciting news for citizens of both countries.
Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill and Minister of Public Works of Suriname Dr. Riad Nurmohamed have both highlighted the enormous benefits both countries will reap.
Aside from being a key driver of economic activity in terms of trade and tourism, the bridge signals progress for both countries and a social connection which will forge stronger cultural bonds and encourage knowledge-sharing in a number of areas.

It paves the way for a five-hour long drive from Georgetown to Paramaribo, which guarantees increased efficiency and safety.
Guyana and Suriname share a good relationship and given the amount of travel between the two, it should have been at the top of the agenda, especially for Guyana.
Within months of being elected to office in 2020, the PPP/C pursued this project to the point where landing sites were identified and a consultant was hired to conduct feasibility and design studies.
Life is about to get a whole lot easier for Guyanese and Surinamese. They will be able to benefit directly and indirectly from the significant development that is anticipated to take place in a number of sectors.