Pres. Ali meets with Suriname’s Foreign Minister to advance talks on Corentyne River Bridge, issues affecting fisherfolk

President Dr Irfaan Ali today met with Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Melvin Bouva, at State House today to advance development initiatives between the two countries.

Discussions focused on Guyana’s commitment to the Corentyne River Bridge project; collaboration with Suriname to resolve issues affecting fisherfolk; improving the efficiency of the Guyana–Suriname ferry system; and exploring joint investment opportunities.

Mr Bouva was accompanied by Suriname’s Chief of Staff of the Cabinet, Mr Sergio Akiemboto, and the Ambassador of Suriname to Guyana, Ms Liselle Blankendal.

Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud and Director of Presidential Affairs Marcia Nadir-Sharma accompanied President Ali at the meeting.

It has been reported that the high-span Corentyne River bridge will run approximately 3.1 kilometres (km) connecting Moleson Creek in Guyana to South Drain in Suriname with a landing on Long Island in the Corentyne River, where a commercial hub and tourist destination will be established. That free zone will see major infrastructural development such as hotels, recreational parks, entertainment spots, tourist attractions, malls, and farmers’ markets.

Both Guyana and Suriname have settled on Chinese construction company, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), as the preferred contractor to build the new bridge.

Back in October 2024, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill had indicated that the contract between the contractor and the two countries would be signed as soon as the financing mechanism for the bridge is sorted out.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Government has stated that it will continue to work with its Surinamese counterpart, and make representations for Guyanese fisherfolks to get the 150 licences, which they were promised since 2021, to operate in the territorial waters of the Dutch-speaking neighbour.

Following a high-level meeting in Georgetown in August 2021 between Presidents Dr Irfaan Ali and President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, the Surinamese Government had committed to issue 150 fisherfolk here with licences starting from January 2022 to operate in Suriname’s territorial waters.

But to date, these licences are yet to be issued, despite repeated efforts by Guyanese authorities to get this matter resolved.