Govt announces resumption of Guyana-Suriname ferry service

…only Guyanese, Surinamese allowed to travel

The Government has announced the resumption of the Guyana-Suriname ferry service, which operates between Moleson Creek, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and South Drain, Suriname from Sunday.
In a statement on Thursday evening, the Public Works Ministry said that the ferry was expected to depart Guyana about 09:00h and return to Guyana at 13:00h. Check-in, therefore, begins at 06:30h and ends at 08:00h.
This service will operate every Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday until further notice, the Ministry said.

However, importantly, the Ministry advised that as a result of serious health concerns only Guyanese and Surinamese would be allowed to utilise this facility.
“We are not opening for regular international traffic for passengers with other passports. Diplomat residents in Guyana and in Suriname will be facilitated upon request through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of both countries,” the Ministry’s statement read.
Additionally, every passenger must have a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Test, and this must be taken within 72 hours of travel.
“All COVID-19 protocols, including the observing of social distancing on board and in the terminal building will be observed. Guyanese can receive PCR test at all approved medical institutions conducting PCR Test in Guyana while Guyanese in Suriname can conduct their testing at Suriname’s Public Hospital and MeDiLab in Paramaribo. Passengers are also asked to have all their travel documents required to travel to Suriname prior to COVID-19,” the Ministry said.
In the absence of the MV Canawaima, which is currently in Paramaribo undergoing maintenance works, Guyana will facilitate the service using the MB Sandaka.
The Guyana-Suriname ferry service was closed since March 14, 2020 – days after the first COVID-19 case was recorded in Guyana, prompting the shutdown of all ports of entry.