GRA lifts temporary shutdown, Corentyne ‘back track’ resumes operations

Operations at the Corentyne ‘back track’ resumed on Monday after officials of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) in Corriverton, Berbice returned to the landing site and advised operators that they were instructed to allow vessel movements to recommence, pending further discussions expected to determine the way forward.
The reopening follows the issuance of cease-and-desist letters on Saturday to the three operators, Golden Gloves Boat Services, Eno Bharat Boat Services and KSN Boat Services, ordering an immediate halt to all incoming and outgoing vessel movements. The letters cited regulatory and border-control concerns and warned that continued operations would constitute illegal activity. The shutdown had triggered immediate disruption across the Upper Corentyne, leaving dozens of workers, vendors, taxi drivers and porters without income and drawing concern also from business owners who depend on cross-border movement for daily commerce.
On Monday, GRA officials revisited the location and informed the operators that they were instructed to permit the resumption of services, while making it clear that the matter remains under consideration and will be addressed more formally at a meeting scheduled for Wednesday. Following the issuance of the letters on Saturday, the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce had intervened, expressing concern over those developments. Operators confirmed that they were asked to attend that engagement to discuss compliance requirements and possible operational arrangements going forward. Workers and service providers welcomed the resumption, but said no written guidance has yet been provided outlining what changes, if any, will be required for long-term operations. Business owners in Corriverton reported an immediate improvement in customer traffic following Monday’s reopening, while taxi operators and vendors said the return of passengers brought much-needed relief after two days of near-total inactivity.
With Wednesday’s meeting now expected to decide the next phase of operations, many along the Corentyne are hoping the process will result in a positive sustainable decision for those depending of that route for a livelihood.