The M.V. Canawaima ferry service between Guyana and Suriname will resume operations today after a temporary ban on the vessel was lifted, the Government of Guyana has announced.
In a press release issued on Friday, the government said the ferry will return to its regular schedule following successful technical inspections and compliance with specific requirements set by the Maritime Authority of Suriname.
The government said it will prioritise transporting stranded passengers today, after days of disruption affected travellers moving between the two neighbouring countries.
The announcement comes after the government earlier said it was in constant and daily contact with Surinamese officials to resolve the suspension and restore the service.
At the time, Guyana said maintenance and drydocking responsibilities for the M.V. Canawaima fell under Suriname. The government had also said two technical inspections by maritime experts from both countries concluded that the vessel could remain in operation until it entered drydock within three months.
However, the Maritime Authority of Suriname had insisted that certain matters expected to be addressed during drydocking should be handled immediately.
In Friday’s statement, the Government of Guyana said its representatives worked over the past several days with Surinamese counterparts to ensure all safety and structural compliance requirements were met so the ferry could return to service as soon as possible.
The government said it recognised the considerable inconvenience caused by the temporary suspension to the public in both countries, but stressed that public safety and wellbeing remained the priority throughout the period.
During the suspension, Guyana had said immigration services remained available for persons travelling to Suriname by small boats, with passengers required to report to immigration offices at Moleson Creek and New Nickerie.
The government thanked the relevant authorities, stakeholders and the public for their cooperation and patience while the matter was being resolved.
