THE Government of Guyana has reaffirmed that the proposed bridge across the Corentyne River must continue as a joint venture with Suriname, rejecting suggestions that only one country should assume sole responsibility for financing the project.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, the government said it has taken note of a recent statement from Suriname concerning the financing of the bridge and stressed that the project had, from its inception, been conceived as a shared undertaking between the two states.
“From the inception of this initiative, the bridge has been conceived as a joint project. Given its cross-border character, it has always been understood by both governments that the planning, financing, construction, operation, and management of the bridge would be matters for joint consideration and agreement,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry said.
Further refuting Suriname’s claim that discussions were held in May regarding its intention to pursue the project independently, the ministry emphasised that the meeting focused on Guyana’s assistance in response to the severe flooding in Suriname.
“Guided by the spirit of friendship and good neighbourliness, [President Dr Irfaan Ali] reached out personally to offer Guyana’s assistance. During that meeting, Guyana proposed the immediate deployment of a technical team from the Ministry of Agriculture, including specialists in drainage and irrigation, to support Suriname’s response efforts and to make available portable pumps and other technical expertise to assist in mitigating the flooding,” the statement read.
Guyana noted that the Joint Technical Working Group established by the two countries remains mandated to continue discussions on the financial, technical and operational aspects of the project.
According to the statement, this confirms that financing has consistently been treated as an issue requiring joint deliberation rather than unilateral determination by either country.
“Guyana further recalls that dedicated bilateral discussions on the construction of the Corentyne River Bridge were formally advanced following the conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding in 2020 between the Governments of Guyana and Suriname during the administration of President Chandrikapersad,” the statement said adding:
“The Government of Guyana stands ready to continue discussions in good faith through the agreed bilateral mechanisms with a view to advancing this transformational project for the benefit of the peoples of Guyana and Suriname.”
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event last week, President Ali had told reporters that he had received no official communication other than the existing understanding that the crossing is to be executed as a shared initiative between the two states.
Last September, President Ali had met with Surinamese President, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, in Nickerie, Suriname.
The two leaders at that engagement expressed their mutual commitment to further deepening the bilateral partnership to promote peace, security, and prosperity for the peoples of both countries.
The proposed bridge, which will span approximately 3.1 kilometres, is set to connect Moleson Creek in Guyana to South Drain in Suriname, with a landing point on Long Island in the Corentyne River. Guyana has earmarked GY$5 billion (US$23.9 million) for the project in its budget.
Back in 2022, a US$2 million contract was signed for the feasibility study and design of the bridge.
