OF any two countries in the world, Guyana and Suriname are the closest, not merely geographically but in their culture and psyche. They share a common history, each being a British and Dutch colony at various periods, and their laws and governmental systems are essentially the same. Indeed, until 1917, Guyana used Roman-Dutch Law, the same law as Suriname, and Surinamese lawyers practised at the Guyana Bar.

Though Dutch is the official language, Sranan Tongo, once known as “Talkie-talkie”, is the universally spoken language in Suriname. Sranan Tongo is an English Creole, and as such, Guyanese would be able to learn it in two to three months. The Bhojpuri dialect of Hindi is also widely understood and spoken in the Indian community, as it is in rural Guyana.

For the last two centuries, Guyanese have been emigrating to Suriname and Surinamese to Guyana, with all immigrants becoming fully integrated into the host community without notice. During the 1970s and 1980s, for instance, when Guyana was experiencing a period of intense economic, political, and social distress, Surinamese smuggled much-needed foodstuffs to Guyana against the wishes of their bureaucracy, which feared this would result in shortages in Suriname. They also accepted over 60,000 Guyanese fleeing from the hunger, hardships, and hopelessness that then pervaded Guyana.

The bridging of the Corentyne River is, therefore, a very popular project, as it would link both countries and, in effect, physically tie them together.

The Corentyne River Bridge Project
Plans for the construction of the Corentyne River Bridge are in a very advanced stage. The bridge will be 3.1 kilometres in length and will stretch from Moleson Creek on the Guyana side to South Drain in Suriname, with a landing on Long Island in the river, where a commercial hub and tourist destination will be established.

That duty-free zone is expected to see major infrastructural development, including:
· Hotels
· Recreational parks
· Malls
· Entertainment spots
· Farmers’ markets
· Other tourist attractions

The bridge is expected to intensify regional trade, ease transportation, and create a corridor for significant economic development. It will not only link Suriname and Guyana but will also open up greater economic opportunities beyond into French Guiana and, through the road network being developed, into Brazil. The bridge will serve as a conduit for Guyana’s exports and will accelerate Suriname’s industrialisation and general economic development.

Funding and Construction
Six international contracting companies—five Chinese and one Dutch—submitted bids for the construction of the bridge. Initially, the project was planned on a model where the contractor would be responsible for:
· Design
· Construction
· Financing
· Operation and maintenance

This would also include a public-private partnership. However, two of the bidding companies have since indicated that they were unable to meet the pre-financing requirements.
The financial outlay for the bridge will be borne by both Suriname and Guyana, and Guyana has indicated that it is ready with its share.

Strengthening bilateral and economic ties
The bridge and its construction have provided an entrée for both countries to strengthen bilateral and economic ties. These will focus on:
Agriculture
Guyana’s proactive Minister of Agriculture has initiated a veritable agricultural revolution in all segments of agriculture, including:
· Fishing
· Livestock and poultry production
· Sugar cultivation
· Rice production
· Spices
· New crops such as soya and corn

Guyana has been working towards satisfying CARICOM’s food imports of over US$6 billion.

Oil and Gas
Suriname is geared to become a major oil producer, and in both agriculture and oil, Guyana could provide valuable help and co-operation to assist Suriname in reaching the next level.
Surinamese companies have already begun establishing operations in Guyana, with the Head of the Guyana Office for Investment, Dr. Ramsaroop, estimating that 50 Surinamese businesses are now operating in Guyana. Likewise, Guyanese companies have been setting up businesses in Suriname.

The cultural and educational impact
While the bridge is primarily an economic initiative, its spinoffs will extend into the cultural and educational spheres. Economic cooperation and development will naturally lead to greater cultural exchanges and academic collaborations.

With all these areas and levels of co-operation, Guyana and Suriname could, in effect, blossom into a de facto confederation. Over time, the New River Triangle dispute will fade away as co-operation intensifies, reducing tensions.

Guyana must always remember that Suriname supports Guyana in the Venezuela-Guyana border controversy despite the New River Triangle dispute. This demonstrates that both countries have more to gain from unity than division.