President Irfaan Ali of Guyana has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the Corentyne River Bridge project, emphasizing that it remains a joint initiative with Suriname. His comments come in response to recent statements made by Suriname’s Minister of Public Works and Spatial Planning, Stephen Tsang, during a parliamentary budget debate, which suggested a shift in the financing and ownership of the project.
During a recent judiciary event, President Ali stated that Guyana has not received any official communication from Suriname indicating a change in the agreed-upon bilateral framework for the bridge. He described the project as a multi-million-dollar endeavor that is intended to be a collaborative effort between the two nations.
Minister Tsang had indicated that Suriname might pursue financing the bridge independently, declaring it would be a “Surinamese bridge.” However, President Ali dismissed these remarks, noting that any changes to the project would need to be communicated formally through diplomatic channels. He highlighted that the only information regarding a potential funding shift has come from media reports.
President Ali emphasized the importance of shared ownership and legal frameworks for the bridge, which is designed to replace the existing ferry system and enhance cross-border trade and transportation. The bridge is projected to span 3.1 kilometers and connect Moleson Creek in Guyana to South Drain in Suriname.
In light of the recent developments, President Ali revealed that he has instructed Senior Minister Dr. Ashni Singh to seek clarification from the Surinamese government regarding Minister Tsang’s statements. He warned that if Suriname formally requests to terminate the bilateral treaty, Guyana would respond decisively.
President Ali concluded by reiterating that the Corentyne River Bridge project is a joint venture that reflects the interests of both nations and their commitment to working together.
Source: hgptv.com
