Guyana: Guyana Responds to Suriname’s Decision on Corentyne River Bridge

President Irfaan Ali of Guyana stated that he was not aware of Suriname’s recent decision to proceed with the construction of the Corentyne Bridge independently, rather than as a joint venture with Guyana. In an exclusive interview with Demerara Waves Online News, President Ali remarked, “That is news to me.”

Suriname’s Minister of Public Works and Spatial Planning, Stephen Tsang, informed the National Assembly that the government has opted to finance the bridge entirely on its own. This announcement came during a budget debate, where Tsang mentioned that a new tendering procedure might be necessary depending on the financing structure chosen. He indicated that various financing models are being explored, including the potential for toll collection.

Tsang stated, “Several models have been discussed, including regarding toll collection. Everything is still open. All models are being reviewed together with the Ministry of Finance,” emphasizing that the bridge would be a Surinamese project.

In response, President Ali expressed his reliance on commitments made by Suriname’s President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, who had assured that the bridge would be a collaborative effort between the two countries. Ali noted that he was awaiting further updates from President Geerlings-Simons regarding the arrangements.

When asked about his stance on Suriname’s new approach, Ali reiterated his preference for joint development, stating, “There is only one thing we’re interested in and that is the joint development of the bridge and that was the arrangement from day one.”

Additionally, Opposition legislator Asis Gajadien raised questions in the National Assembly about the status of the tendering process initiated under the previous government and the implications of Suriname’s announcement for future agreements with Guyana. Tsang acknowledged that a new tender might be necessary based on the final financing arrangements.

Earlier estimates had placed the construction cost of the bridge at approximately US$300 million. In September of the previous year, both countries had agreed to expedite the construction and revive stalled border negotiations, recognizing the bridge’s potential to enhance trade, tourism, connectivity, and people-to-people exchanges.

Source: demerarawaves.com