Pres Ali kicks off 2nd term with Suriname talks on Corentyne River Bridge, trade issues

One day after being sworn in for his second term, President Dr Irfaan Ali has hit the ground running, holding a series of meetings to advance his Government’s agenda.
Among the meeting was with Surinamese officials where the Guyanese Head of State raised key issues with Surinamese officials including challenges facing local fisherfolk and the transformational Corentyne River Bridge project. On Monday, President Ali met with Suriname’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Melvin Bouva, at State House to advance development initiatives between the two countries. Discussions focused on Guyana’s commitment to the Corentyne River Bridge project; collaboration with Suriname to resolve issues affecting fisherfolk; improving the efficiency of the Guyana–Suriname ferry system; and exploring joint investment opportunities. Speaking with reporters on the sidelines of the swearing in of Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Vice President (VP) Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, President Ali said that by this weekend Guyana is set to have a face-to-face meeting with the President of Suriname, Jennifer Geerlings-Simons. Discussions are expected to focus on the Corentyne River bridge among other issues.

Fisherfolk
Currently, Corentyne fishermen face significant difficulties in obtaining licences from the Surinamese Government, a problem that has persisted for many years. These licences are essential because many of the fishing grounds traditionally used by Guyanese fishermen fall within Surinamese maritime territory. However, access to these licences is often restricted or controlled through unofficial channels, making the process expensive and unpredictable. In many cases, fishermen are forced to rent licences from Surinamese boat owners at high costs, rather than receiving them directly through formal agreements. Over the years, there have been efforts to formalise agreements that would allow Guyanese fishermen to access Surinamese waters legally and affordably. However, progress has been slow.
While former Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, who was replaced by President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons in July had promised to resolve the issue, it never materialised.

High-span bridge
Meanwhile, the proposed high-span Corentyne River Bridge will run approximately 3.1 kilometres (km), connecting Moleson Creek in Guyana to South Drain in Suriname with a landing on Long Island in the Corentyne River, where a commercial hub and tourist destination will be established. The Bridge, intended to connect Guyana and Suriname, represents a major infrastructural project with the potential to significantly enhance regional trade, transportation and diplomatic relations. The bridge, which is expected to span the Corentyne River near South Drain in Suriname and Moleson Creek in Guyana, is part of a broader effort to improve connectivity between the two Caricom states. Meanwhile, Monday’s meeting at State House with President Ali and Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs also included Suriname’s Chief of Staff of the Cabinet, Sergio Akiemboto, and Suriname’s Ambassador to Guyana Liselle Blankendal. From the Guyana side, Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud and Director of Presidential Affairs Marcia Nadir-Sharma.