PARAMARIBO - The problems at the Canawaima ferry between Suriname and Guyana are increasingly starting to look more like a structural problem instead of random incidents.

Parliament is putting more pressure on the government as it no longer wants it to use bandaids but to opt for a sustainable solution instead. The legislators explained that the government should buy a new boat to replace the old one or a second boat to lend a helping hand. Whenever the old boat breaks down passengers are left stranded on both sides of the Corantijn River. The disruption in the ferry service also affects local businesses. MPs made it clear that it is of the utmost importance to guarantee the continuation of the ferry service. Transport, Communications and Tourism (TCT) Minister Raymond Landveld acknowledges that the current ferry must be replaced but explained that the current problems started a few years ago when it was decided to buy a second hand engine instead of a new one in the boat. “That decision has resulted in the many problems that often occur,” said Minister Landveld who added that the government has started talks with parties that want to introduce a new ferry at Canawaima. “The negotiations are still in an early stage,” said Minister Landveld.