Guyana, Suriname seek IDB funding to bridge Corentyne River
FEBRUARY 18, 2012 | BY KNEWS |
- special committee to tackle cross-border crime
- Suriname offers help in oil search
Guyana and Suriname may move to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to seek joint financing for a bridge that will join the two countries via the Corentyne River.
The announcement was made in a joint statement by the two neighbours following a one day visit by President Donald Ramotar yesterday (February 17), to Suriname.
A special border security committee is also to be established to facilitate the easy sharing of information. It will be the first overseas trip for the Head of State since his election to the Presidency in early December. [More]
— Post #1124
Comments
It is time that connection be made. Many who lived in Corentyne, including my family, depended on the foodstuff smuggled to their areas by enterprising citizens in “dark days” Many also fled to Surinam, where they have made a life for themselves.
This would signal that a more fruitful relationship is beginning to take form, away from the contentious border dispute. This is good for both countries and will eventually lead to an amicable settlement. Trade and tourism and family reunion will be made more easily and this is also good.
My first and only visit to Surinam or Nikerie as we referred to it took place in 1960, We went to play cricket and quickly learned about the hospitality of the people. We were treated like long lost relatives and we had a thoroughly wonderful time.
One incident stood out and it was not the boat ride across the undulating waves. We had been told that the people were very law-abiding. An incident occurred that lent proof to that. On the way by car to our destination one of our suitcases fell from the overloaded car. The driver told us not to worry, that he will get it for us after he had dropped us off. That was exactly what happened. We were happy but puzzled, because if that had happened on our side of the river, the chances of getting it back was not good. When we questioned him, he said that he had simply gone to the police station, where someone had taken it after he had found it on the road. The people were not wealthy, they were honest. We , the young men on that cricket team learned a very valuable lesson. Of course that did not stop us from winning our matches.
Memory of that tour still bring a smile.
great news, wonderful idea, with the money bharat jagdeo have he can build this bridge