The CANAWAIMA Management Company (CMC) JV Tuesday said that it has been in discussions with its Surinamese counterparts regarding the services being provided by the CANAWAIMA Ferry Service (CFS).
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Public Works, it said that it had taken note of media reports emanating out of Suriname ‘suggesting that the Maritime Administration of Suriname (MAS) has given notice to the CANAWAIMA Management Company Suriname, that specific action needs to be taken as it relates to the CANAWAIMA Ferry’
But it said that ‘over the last several days, the Guyana side of the Joint Venture has been engaging their Surinamese counterparts’ and that ‘we anticipate out of those engagements, a resolution to this matter’.
According to the media reports, MAS in an August 7, 2026 letter, has given CMC JV a final opportunity to remedy the remaining deficiencies on board the ferry and that the letter follows earlier correspondence dated 26 July 2026, in which the company was instructed to send a plan of action regarding the inspection report of the ferry to the MAS within one week of receipt.
On August 5, 2026, the MAS conducted another inspection on board and during this this re-inspection, it is reported to have found that a majority of the previously identified deficiencies had not yet been remedied.
The MAS has therefore given the company a final opportunity to submit a plan of action, which must contain a clear timetable for rectifying the identified deficiencies, carrying out the necessary major repairs, and the planned drydocking of the vessel.
In addition, the maritime authority has determined that various safety matters must be in order by August 13 at the latest. If the required measures have not been implemented by then, the MV CANAWAIMA will be subject to a sailing ban effective from August 14, 2026
But in its its statement, CMC JV said that ‘Guyana commits itself to the letter and spirit of the Joint Venture signed between Guyana and Suriname, and is committed to ensuring a safe transport link by way of an efficient and seaworthy ferry.
‘Please be advised, that based upon the Joint Venture agreement, Guyana supplies ALL fuels, lubricants and batteries to facilitate the daily operation of the ferry while Suriname takes care of the maintenance and dry docking of the vessel,’it added.