Guyana-Suriname ferry to remain out of operation until Thursday

The MV Canawaima, which was initially expected to be out of operation for two days, will not be operational until March 24.
Management of the Guyana-Suriname Ferry Service regrettably informed that this one-week halt of service is to facilitate ongoing emergency repairs to the vessels.
“Management wishes to assure you that all necessary steps are being taken to resume operations at the soonest possible time,” an advisory from the Public Health Ministry outlined.

Persons requiring further queries were asked to contact 339-2744 or 339-2787 for information.
Surinamese reports indicate that on Tuesday last, during a return trip from Guyana, the engines of the vessel stopped working. As such, authorities had indicated that the vessel would not operate for two days.
Over the past 5 years, the ferry has been drydocked from time to time on numerous occasions, coupled with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The MV Canawaima was previously dry-docked for more than a year and had only returned to operation in October of 2021.
At that time the discussions on the resumption of the Canawaima Ferry Service were held with officials from both Guyana and Suriname who met to iron out outstanding matters concerning the ferry. Public Works Minister Juan Edghill had met with his Surinamese counterpart, Transport, Communication and Tourism Minister Albert Jubithana, where discussions were facilitated.
The MV Canawaima was also taken into dry docks in March 2020 when the service was suspended due to the coronavirus; the vessel had been plagued with problems. The Canawaima Ferry Service was introduced to Guyana on October 28, 1998, under the Companies Act, Number 29 of 1991, of the Laws of Guyana.
It is jointly owned by the Governments of Guyana and Suriname, as each country owns 50 per cent of the issued share capital. For years, the Guyana-Suriname Ferry Service served as a critical and legal link between the two countries, mutually improving economic and cultural relations. Without the ferry service, scores of persons in Suriname and Guyana usually resort to the alternative “backtrack” routes.
Over the years, major upgrades were done at the Guyana-Suriname Ferry Service, which included repairs to the manager’s office and VIP lounge; removal of vents and installation of doors; removal of windows, repairs to the washroom and waiting area, and some other works in the canteen and waiting area.