Crossing between Guyana and Suriname resumes December 12

…crossings to Brazil still restricted

Travel between Guyana and Suriname via the Moleson Creek Crossing will resume from December 12, 2020.

This is the decision of the National COVID-19 Task Force Secretariat (NCTFS) as outlined in the recently updated COVID-19 Emergency Measures for December 1 to December 31, 2020.

The Measures state that: “All operators and passengers shall comply with any port health measures issued by the Ministry of Health.”

Passage through the Moleson Creek Crossing had been restricted since the emergence of COVID-19 in Guyana in March 2020.

Only recently, President Irfaan Ali met with President of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi during a three-day visit to his country. The Office of the President noted that bilateral relations between Guyana and Suriname have been strengthened as the two countries work to create new opportunities.

It was stated that the neighbouring countries would work alongside the Border Commission established to resolve “outstanding issues.”

“While the Commission is doing its work, we are focused on moving ahead with the relationship, moving ahead and solidifying our plans, moving ahead and bringing the two countries and people closer together. We are moving ahead in creating new opportunities, in creating new infrastructure, in creating a framework for trade and ensuring that we are ready and equipped to face the challenges that will come,” President Ali had said.

COVID-19 cases in Suriname, as of recent, have stood similar to Guyana at over 5,000. However, the country has a lower death toll at just around 117. These figures can be compared to that of neighbouring Brazil which has over 6.2 million cases and over 172,000 deaths.