AS Guyana heads towards its General and Regional Elections on September 1, 2025, the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) is calling on all political parties to urgently prioritise the completion of two landmark cross-border infrastructure projects: the Corentyne River Bridge and the modernisation of the Canawaima Ferry Service.
In a recent press release, the SGCC underscored that these projects are vital to unlocking new levels of economic growth for both Guyana and Suriname — two of the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) fastest-growing economies.

According to the Chamber, a modernised Canawaima Ferry Service, upgraded through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), would deliver immediate economic gains by boosting efficiency and reliability. The SGCC projects that improvements to the ferry could increase passenger and cargo volumes by at least 30 percent each year, directly benefitting trade, tourism, and small businesses along the Corentyne corridor.

Looking further ahead, the Corentyne River Bridge stands to be a transformative link for regional connectivity. Managed jointly through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) with a blend of national and international financing, the bridge is expected to strengthen ties between Guyana and Suriname while expanding access to Brazil and wider South American markets.
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr. Ashni Singh, has confirmed that talks for the construction of the bridge are at an “advanced stage” and will resume following the settling in of Suriname’s newly elected Government.

The proposed bridge, spanning approximately 3.1 kilometres, will connect Moleson Creek in Guyana to South Drain in Suriname, with a planned landing point on Long Island in the Corentyne River. There are also plans to develop Long Island into a commercial hub and tourism destination — creating new jobs and attracting investors.
Estimates by the SGCC suggest that seamless transport enabled by the bridge could increase cross-border trade by more than 50 percent, double tourist visits between the two countries within two years of completion, and attract significant manufacturing investments.

The SGCC stressed that together, these strategic projects promise to enhance Guyana’s competitive edge, expand Suriname’s market access, and advance the broader goal of integrated regional economic development.

“The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce stands fully committed to supporting these transformative initiatives, recognising that world-class infrastructure is the backbone of shared prosperity and true regional integration,” the release noted.