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See the full statement issued below:

The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) applauds the recent meeting between Suriname’s President H.E Chandrikapersad Santokhi and Guyana’s President H.E Mohamed Irfaan Ali, held on March 23rd, 2024, in Guyana.

This pivotal gathering focused on advancing discussions for a bridge over the Corentyne River, signifying a monumental step towards solidifying the bond between the two nations. The SGCC commends the involvement of key ministers from both countries.

This further emphasizes the project’s critical nature and signifies a unified effort to realise a vision that would reshape the regional dynamics of both countries. Suriname’s Ambassador to Guyana, Ms. Liselle Blankendal, echoed this sentiment:

“The bridge between Suriname and Guyana is more than just steel and concrete; it represents the culmination of years of collaboration, vision, and determination. It symbolizes both countries’ commitment to connectivity, progress, and mutual prosperity.”

Chair of the SGCC, Dr. Vishnu Doerga noted that “Guyana and Suriname have the best chance at full economic integration due to our geographic and historical ties. The bridge will serve as a critical economic driver for both countries allowing for both populations to experience the best goods and services from each respective country with more efficiency.”

This bridge, a physical manifestation of the connection between Suriname and Guyana, would serve as a cornerstone for regional integration. It would facilitate the movement of people, and enhance trade and investment opportunities. While SGCC is particularly encouraged by the positive feedback received from our members through a recent survey, which indicates a strong belief that the bridge will significantly increase the free movement of people and goods across the border, it is paramount to recognize that the physical connection the bridge provides is just one piece of the puzzle.

The true potential for enhanced agricultural cooperation, tourism promotion, and economic growth leading to sustainable prosperity for both nations lies not only in the steel and concrete of the bridge itself. Our members strongly emphasize that without a concerted effort to reduce bureaucracy, streamline logistical processes, and dismantle other non-physical barriers, the bridge will not be able to fully “earn back its money” or realize its true potential.

The SGCC thus urges the governments of both nations to take these concerns seriously and consider them in their planning and execution stages. Addressing these challenges in tandem with the construction of the bridge is critical to unlocking the full scope of benefits the Corentyne Bridge can bring to both countries. As the Presidents prepare to enter the project’s next stage, focusing on pricing, technical aspects, financing, and operational modalities, SGCC expresses its full support for these efforts. The SGCC is confident that the collaborative approach adopted by the two governments will ensure that the project’s execution will be marked by affordability, efficiency, and mutual benefit.

As the anticipation for the Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation Platform (SDCP) meeting in May 2024 grows, the SGCC looks forward to contributing at various levels, offering the perspective and expertise of our members to ensure that the bridge project not only strengthens the economic ties between our nations but also fosters a deeper sense of community and shared destiny.

Guyana and Suriname stand on the threshold of a new era of prosperity, connectivity, and regional cooperation. The chamber commits to remaining an active partner in this journey, championing the benefits of the bridge and advocating for the interests of our members to ensure that this project achieves its full potential for the betterment of both our countries.

The pond in Massara Village, Region Nine where three girls drowned on Tuesday was dug several years ago (in 2015) to assist residents during the dry season.

Toshao of Massara Village, Lenny Moses told the News Room on Wednesday that the pond also attracted residents including children, particularly during their leisure time, whether it is for fishing, gardening, or a swim.

On Tuesday, the three girls – Nia Jeffreys, 6; Michele Jeffreys, 5 and Alicia Dorrick, 9 ventured to the Razor Grass pond to swim.

The children left their home unknowing to their parents.

Toshao Moses said the incident has left the village and by extension the region in a state of shock.

What is more devastating is that the girls are from one family. Michele and Nia are sisters. Alicia is their cousin.

“Those ponds were initially for help in drought, in times like these for animals and if persons want to do any gardening close by. That was the aim of it.

“Apparently they (residents) would use it because a lot of fish would get trapped during the rainy season. So that is how they would go and catch fish I was told and then they would eventually bathe. So it happened, yesterday was a bad lucky day for them,” Toshao Moses said.

Police Headquarters said that upon realising the children were absent, the parents began a frantic search.

Eventually, they arrived at Razor Grass pond, where the bodies of the three girls were found floating in the water.

The News Room was told that the pond is surrounded by bushes and there are no houses close by.

“You really can’t find houses, the closest house might be like let’s say about 500 meters.

“The pond is surrounded by bushes… but the pond itself is dry and you have a nice clean surrounding. A deep open space,” Toshao Moses told the News Room.

In an invited comment, Police Commander of Region Nine, Raphael Rose told the News Room that foul play is not suspected in the girls’ death.

However, he said the police are awaiting the autopsy reports to confirm how they met their demise.

“There were no marks of violence or so but we are just waiting on the post mortem to tell us the cause of death,” Commander Rose said.

The autopsies are scheduled to be conducted on Saturday.