The Canawaima Ferry Service between Guyana and Suriname has been temporarily suspended after Suriname’s maritime authority called for immediate works on the M.V. Canawaima, despite technical experts from both countries concluding that the vessel could remain in operation until its scheduled drydocking.
The Government of Guyana, in a statement Saturday, underscored that responsibility for the maintenance and drydocking of the M.V. Canawaima rests with Suriname.
In recent days, two technical inspections were conducted by maritime experts from Guyana and Suriname. According to the statement, experts from both countries concluded that the vessel could continue operating until it enters drydock within the next three months.
Those assurances were provided in writing.
Despite the findings, the Maritime Authority in Suriname, or MAS, insisted that certain matters that were expected to be addressed during drydocking be undertaken immediately.
The ferry service was subsequently temporarily suspended.
The M.V. Canawaima provides an important transportation link between Guyana and Suriname, facilitating the movement of passengers, vehicles and goods between the two neighbouring countries.
The boards on the Guyana and Suriname sides remain in close and continuous communication and are jointly working toward the prompt resumption of the ferry service.
The Canawaima Ferry Service acknowledged the inconvenience caused to passengers and other users and apologised for the disruption, assuring the public that everything possible is being done to restore the service as soon as possible.
No date has yet been announced for the resumption of operations.