– Guyana fully committed to advancing regional trade efforts, President Ali says
THE evaluation of a regional ferry service, which involves the Governments of Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, is currently in its final stages, President Dr. Irfaan Ali said.
During a conversation with reporters at a recent event, the Guyanese Head of State, who also serves as the current chairperson of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), stated that the assessment will be finalised within the next four to five days.
“That assessment now is in the final stages, we are waiting now on the full assessment because there is an assessment now in Guyana, Trinidad and Barbados and then we will see the type of changes required at the port or whether there is change in the vessel that may be required.”
President Ali made an announcement on Tuesday that the ferry service will be based in Parika, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), an established port.
“Parika stelling as you know evolved into many different things, first it was a passenger stelling then it evolved into a kind of farmers market, a whole sale depo and then with the type of development that is taking place in Essequibo and Bartica it became a very important major transport and logistic hub.”
According to the government, they are fully dedicated to making necessary upgrades to the Parika port.
“Over the years we have built out, we have improved we have strengthen, but I think the time has come for us to have a more holistic plan of Parika and what the stelling and that whole water front area will entail.”
In January, CARI Cargo Inc., the company responsible for regional ferry service, was established.
The implementation of the ferry service is one of several measures undertaken by CARICOM states to enhance agricultural trade and reduce the region’s substantial food import expenses by 25 per cent within the upcoming year.
The vessel that will be navigating the route is the Galleons Passage, originating from Trinidad and Tobago.
The commencement of operations will first take place between Guyana and Trinidad, with intentions to expand services to Barbados.
President Ali has previously emphasised the existence of ongoing discussions regarding a specialised ferry service with Aruba, aimed at exclusively transporting agricultural produce.
Due to Guyana’s strategic geographical position on the periphery of South America, it serves as the most direct and economically efficient pathway for Brazilian exports via the Panama Canal.
President Ali envisions Guyana as a prominent transportation hub, positioning the country as the gateway connecting South America to the rest of the world. This strategic move would unlock extensive investment and trade prospects.
