Construction on the Corantijn/Corentyne river bridge is set to commence before the end of 2024, as announced during the Joint Ministerial Committee meeting of Suriname and Guyana held today in Paramaribo. This pivotal development underscores the concerted efforts of both nations, initiated by Presidents Chandrikapersad Santokhi and Irfaan Ali in November 2020, to realize this vital infrastructure project.
During the meeting both nations reaffirmed the indispensable need for a fixed link between their territories, underscoring its role in bolstering economic prospects, fortifying the regional road network, and fostering enhanced connectivity with Brazil and the wider South American continent. Moreover, the proposed bridge aims to facilitate seamless people-to-people interactions, thereby fostering greater socio-cultural exchanges.
Amidst the discussions, a series of targeted recommendations concerning construction methodologies, financing strategies, and operational frameworks emerged, delineating a meticulously outlined timeline to propel the initiative to its next phase. In light of these deliberations, it is envisaged that the groundwork for construction could be laid before the culmination of 2024, marking a pivotal juncture in the project’s trajectory.
The proposed recommendations stemming from this Ministerial gathering are slated for submission to the respective Heads of State of Suriname and Guyana, with anticipation of their deliberation and decision-making during an imminent rendezvous this weekend in Guyana.
The Republic of Suriname was represented by a distinguished delegation comprising Albert Ramdin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation, Kermechend Raghoebarsing, Minister of Finance and Planning, and Riad Nurmohamed, Minister of Public Works, alongside their proficient technical teams.
Meanwhile, Guyana dispatched a high-level delegation led by Dr. Ashni Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works, and Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, together with their adept technical cohorts.
The impending commencement of construction on the Corantijn/Corentyne river bridge not only signifies a landmark in bilateral collaboration but also heralds a new era of connectivity, fostering regional integration and unlocking untapped potential across the South American landscape.
