Suriname, Guyana governments receive proposal for Canawaima ferry service

The private sector bodies of Guyana and Suriname have formally submitted a proposal to their respective governments for the management of the Canawaima Ferry Service.

The proposal, focused on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) venture, was delivered on behalf of the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) by Chairman Dr. Vishnu Doerga on the final day of the International Business Conference (IBC) 2025 in Suriname.

According to a statement from SGCC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rahul Lildhar, the proposal aims to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and long-term sustainability of this critical cross-border transportation link.

Lildhar highlighted that the proposal outlines a structured partnership between the public and private sectors to improve ferry operations. It addresses key issues such as vessel maintenance, docking facilities, and the introduction of digital ticketing systems to enhance service efficiency.

The initiative is expected to strengthen connectivity, facilitate increased commercial activity and cross-border tourism, and attract private-sector investment to implement technology-driven solutions.

Lildhar emphasised that the Canawaima Ferry Service plays a vital role in the movement of people and goods between Guyana and Suriname and is essential for regional trade, tourism, and business. Given the rapid development in both countries, he stressed the importance of modernizing the service to keep pace with these changes.

The CEO further noted that the proposed PPP framework would bring in private-sector expertise, improve service delivery, and drive infrastructural upgrades, ultimately creating a more efficient transportation corridor between the two nations.

“As we await the highly anticipated Corentyne River Bridge, the SGCC remains committed to finding ways to improve the efficiency of cross-border traffic,” he said.