Joint Ministerial Committee Advances Corantijn Corentyne River Bridge Construction

Joint Ministerial Committee Advances Corantijn Corentyne River Bridge Construction

Joint Ministerial Committee Advances Corantijn Corentyne River Bridge Construction

On March 19, 2024, the Joint Ministerial Committee of Suriname and Guyana convened in Paramaribo to discuss the financing modalities for the construction of the Corantijn/Corentyne river bridge. This meeting marked another step forward in the ongoing efforts initiated by President Chandrikapersad Santokhi and President Irfaan Ali in November 2020 to pursue this vital infrastructure project.

Both sides reaffirmed the significance of establishing a fixed connection between the two countries. Such a bridge not only promises to boost economic opportunities and integrate the road networks of Guyana and Suriname but also holds the potential to enhance hemispheric connectivity with Brazil and the wider South American continent, facilitating increased people-to-people interactions.

During the meeting, specific recommendations concerning construction, financing, and management were deliberated upon, outlining a clear and time-bound framework to advance the project. It is anticipated that construction could commence before the end of 2024, reflecting the commitment of both nations to expedite the process.

These recommendations will be presented to the Presidents of Suriname and Guyana for their further consideration and decision at an anticipated meeting scheduled for the upcoming weekend in Guyana.

Representing the Republic of Suriname were H.E. Albert Ramdin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business, and International Cooperation, H.E. Kermechend Raghoebarsing, Minister of Finance and Planning, and H.E. Riad Nurmohamed, Minister of Public Works, along with their technical teams.

The Co-operative Republic of Guyana was represented by Dr. the Honourable Ashni Singh, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Honourable Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Works, and Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, along with their respective technical teams.

This meeting signals significant progress towards the realization of the Corantijn/Corentyne river bridge, a project poised to foster greater regional integration and socio-economic development for both nations.

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