CARICOM | Suriname to be added to inter-island regional ferry route

GEORGETOWN,  Guyana, February 27, 2024 - Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said plans are moving forward for the “imminent” launch of an inter-island regional ferry service, with the intention to add Suriname to the route.

This is the word from the Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister  Dr. Keith Rowley  who joined regional leaders in Georgetown, Guyana, for the 46th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government on Monday.

This follows a decision whereby shortly, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados will launch a ferry service aiumed at improving intra-regional transportation.

According to CARICOM Chair  Dr. Irfaan Ali, the improvement of transportation and logistics in the Region to facilitate efficient trade in agri-food products is one of the priority actions of the 25 by 2025 Initiative. The Initiative aims to reduce the Region’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

During Monday's session of the Heads of Government meeting, “Maritime transportation, specifically the imminent launch of an inter-regional cargo ferry that will operate the Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and Guyana routes, engaged leaders.

“Prime Minister Rowley said he was pleased with the level of interest generated by the decision to launch the ferry and assured that the Government is committed to ensuring the commercial preparatory work is completed.”

Rowley noted that “It is expected that Suriname will be added to the ferry’s route,” and explained that “While the Government will facilitate the incubation of the project, it is hoped that the private sector will play an integral role in the expansion of the ferry service.”

A release from the Office of the Prime Minister in Trinidad and Tobago, said Dr Rowley also held bilateral discussions with Canada’s Minister of International Development, the Hon Ahmed Hussen, with talks focussing on matters of national security, travel protocol and employment opportunities.

The Prime Minister also met with the Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Omar Shehadeh.

A commitment was made by both parties to enhance cooperation in the areas of aviation and the creation of a legislative framework to respond to the emerging issues related to the increased usage of Artificial Intelligence.

The OPM said heads also received a detailed report on the progress the region has made towards increasing food production in member states. CARICOM has embarked on a mission to reduce the region’s import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

Accompanying the Prime Minister to Monday’s meetings was the Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Dr Amery Browne.

The regional heads and Foreign Ministers met in caucus at a special retreat on Tuesday, and among  the issues  examined  are Haiti, the Caribbean Development Bank and the CSME.

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