MoU signed for construction of Guyana, Suriname bridge

– ‘strategic dialogue and co-operation platform’ agreement also signed

Guyana and Suriname on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the construction of a high-span bridge over the Corentyne River linking the two countries.

This was done at a joint press conference hosted by Preisdent Irfaan Ali and Suriname’s President Chandrikapersad Santokhi.

The MoU was signed by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Guyana, Hugh Todd and Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation, Albert Ramdin.

President Ali said the construction of the bridge creates tremendous opportunities for both countries.

“Once constructed, not if constructed, the bridge will serve as a permanent physical link between the people of Guyana and Suriname but more importantly, that link to the rest of the South American continent,” President Ali said.

He continued: “We recognise the enormous benefit that this can bring in the area of tourism, transportation and trade. To this end, we have expanded our discussions where we can jointly promote business opportunities and tourism opportunities for both countries. It is therefore expected that the proposed road alignment will create within its vicinity the possibilities for free trade zone, enhanced land value, reduce the cost of doing business and increase the ease of doing business.”

President Santokhi shared similar sentiments, saying the bridge would mark a new era for both countries in several areas.

“This bridge on the Corentyne River is not only important to facilitate the movement of persons and goods, trade and cross border cooperation. It also symbolises a transition from the old to a new era. The era of wellbeing and prosperity of our people and freedom, democracy and the rule of law,” he said.

In October, Guyana’s Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, along with Surinamese Public Works Minister, Dr. Riad Nurmohamed visited the proposed site for the bridge.

Additionally, the two countries signed a strategic dialogue and co-operation agreement Tuesday. It will be the formal mechanism used by the two countries to implement projects.

President Ali said, “this establishes a framework for dialogue and cooperation which will guide our future collaborative efforts aimed at improving the lives of our people in every possible way. We expect that the joint working groups will meet expeditiously, to agree and activate their work programme.”

November 25 marks 45 years of formal diplomatic ties between Guyana and Suriname.