(De Ware Tijd Online)- The Suriname-based management of the Canawaima ferry operation is facing a sweeping investigation into its financial and administrative activities over the past five years, amid concerns over governance, internal controls, staffing and financial accountability.
According to De Ware Tijd Online, Suriname’s Minister of Transport, Communication and Tourism Raymond Landveld ordered a comprehensive review of the operation following mounting concerns that were raised during a public meeting of the National Assembly on Tuesday.
The investigation will examine virtually every aspect of the operation, including financial management, procurement, staffing, internal controls, safety oversight and reporting.
The probe is significant given the structure governing the Guyana-Suriname ferry service. The company incorporated under Guyanese law functions as the asset owner, while the Suriname-based entity is responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of the ferry service.
Landveld told the National Assembly that the problems extend well beyond periodic disruptions to ferry operations. According to De Ware Tijd Online, the entire business model — from daily management and safety supervision to procurement processes and staffing — will be reassessed.
The minister also disclosed that administrative irregularities had been identified involving tax and pension payments. Strict instructions have since been issued to address those matters.
NDP parliamentary leader Rabin Parmessar demanded full transparency, calling for access to the organisation’s structure, annual reports and auditors’ reports covering previous years.
Parmessar also questioned what he described as an unusually large management structure for a relatively small organisation and called for greater transparency surrounding salaries and other compensation.
The disclosures also point to significant internal difficulties within the Suriname-based operation.
An internal labour dispute resulted in the temporary suspension of two officials, including the official responsible for overseeing the terminal. Problems subsequently developed over the handing over of company information, with a bailiff eventually becoming involved. An external firm was then engaged to conduct an investigation.
Landveld further acknowledged concerns that the supervisory board had become too involved in responsibilities that should fall to operational management. Going forward, fixed annual plans are expected to be introduced to better separate the board’s supervisory responsibilities from the company’s day-to-day management.
The disclosures provide important context to recent difficulties affecting the Guyana-Suriname ferry connection. While questions have been raised in Suriname about the distribution of costs and ticket revenues between the two sides, the investigation announced by Landveld places substantial focus on the financial, administrative and operational management of the Suriname-based entity responsible for the ferry’s daily operations.
The five-year review is expected to provide greater clarity on financial transactions, management decisions, internal controls and accountability within the cross-border operation.
The Canawaima ferry remains an important transportation and trade link between Guyana and Suriname, facilitating the movement of passengers and goods between the neighbouring countries.