The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) yesterday said that the onus is not on the Government of Guyana to fund the replacement of the Canawaima Ferry Service, noting that it has, over the years, funded most of the vessel’s maintenance works.
The ministry noted that the service is offered through a joint venture, the Canawaima Management Company, which was launched between the governments of Guyana and Suriname in 1998. As such, financial and operational arrangements for the service, as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding, therefore fall to both countries, to be shared equally.
“Speculation about the Government of Guyana taking on the obligation of entirely funding a joint enterprise of this type is erroneous. It is not in keeping with the bilateral agreement signed between the two countries that governs the obligations of both States regarding the operations of the ferry service. That agreement is still functional. There is no onus on Guyana to fund the replacement of the service either temporarily or permanently. The joint company has to ensure that the monies collected by or on behalf of the business are properly directed to defraying the expenses incurred,” the ministry stated.
The release said that government will request an early meeting so that the issues affecting the vessel’s operation can be fully ventilated and resolved to the full satisfaction of the parties.
Last Monday, the Department of Public Information (DPI) announced that the ferry service had been suspended until further notice. Terminal Manager, Gale Culley-Greene, had told DPI that the M.V. Canawaima had been experiencing mechanical difficulties for some time and a decision was taken to have the vessel assessed and repaired. In the meantime, the M.V. Sandaka was deployed to transport those who have been stranded.
MoFA related that the M.V. Canawaima had sustained engine damage in September, 2017, however, timely action was not taken by the company, which was unable to secure funding to meet the routine repair costs. The vessel had to be pulled by a tug-boat as a result, in order to facilitate passenger travel between Moleson Creek and the South Drain terminal.
“According to the abovementioned Agreement, the maintenance of the ferry is to be shared equally. This has not occurred. In a bid to reduce the hardships to passengers and businesses using the service and in order to give the neighbouring state time to meet its obligations, the Government of Guyana has been funding most, if not all of the maintenance works on the ferry over the years,” the ministry asserted.
It further explained that last year, the Guyana/ Suriname Cooperation Council at its meeting, highlighted the importance of the ferry service to bilateral trade and cross border tourism between the territories, and it was agreed that the efficient and optimal operation of the service was to the benefit of both countries. “As indicated elsewhere the matter was raised by President (David) Granger over a year ago during his last meeting with his Surinamese counterpart. At that time, President (Desi) Bouterse undertook to look into the matter,” the release stated.
