Guyana: Ali leaves room for Suriname on Corentyne River bridge

President Irfaan Ali of Guyana and President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons of Suriname have engaged in discussions regarding the construction of a bridge across the Corentyne River. During a recent statement, President Ali expressed a willingness to consider any proposals from Suriname while reiterating his interest in the existing joint venture proposal between the two nations.

Ali stated, “If any other request is made, then, at that time, I will be in a position to pronounce on it and you can rest assured that I will pronounce decisively on it.” This comment came in response to inquiries from Demerara Waves Online News regarding Suriname’s announcement that it would pursue the bridge independently, with plans for users to pay a toll.

Since the announcement, President Ali noted that he had not received any official communication from the Surinamese administration. He mentioned, “I have not received anything officially other than what is in the media. I know the Minister of Finance (Dr. Ashni Singh) reached out but our position is very clear. The Corentyne River bridge is a bridge that is being discussed jointly. It’s a joint project by the government of Guyana and the government of Suriname and that is how it will be.”

When asked why Guyana could not agree to Suriname’s request instead of potentially having no bridge, Ali emphasized that Guyana is interested in a project that encompasses both sovereign territories in a collaborative manner. He stated, “There is no other official position that is before me. There is no other official request that is before me.”

Prior to the May 2025 elections, which saw the Progressive Reform Party (VHP) lose to the National Democratic Party (NDP) led by Dr. Geerlings-Simons, both Guyana and Suriname had received bids from Ballast Nedam and China Road and Bridges to construct the estimated US$300 million bridge under a Design, Build, Finance and Operate model. This model was recommended by the Trinidad-based consultancy firm, WSP Caribbean. The bridge is intended to replace the 27-year-old ferry service operating between Moleson Creek in Guyana and South Drain in Suriname.

Source: demerarawaves.com