President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali, is confident that the upcoming regional cargo ferry, involving Guyana, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago, will herald a new era of profitable investment in regional transportation.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 2024 Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, themed “Fuelling Transformation and Modernisation,” Ali highlighted the significance of the forthcoming shipping asset.
He emphasized that this initiative, facilitating both container movement and passenger transportation, aims to demonstrate the viability of investing in regional transport infrastructure.
Fostering integration and food security
According to Ali, the introduction of this service not only underscores the importance of regional connectivity but also serves as a catalyst for achieving integration, enhancing trade, and bolstering food security within the Caribbean.
Strategic development partnerships
Ali also underscored the role of development partners in facilitating the success of the venture, pointing out that these partnerships would ensure the availability of off-takers for commodities and additional products generated through the ferry service.
Toward operationalization: Discussions and objectives
Recent discussions, led by Trinidad and Tobago’s Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan, have laid the groundwork for the operationalization of the regional ferry service.
The meeting, attended by officials from the participating countries, reiterated the collective commitment to promoting regional food security.
The meeting also focused on the matters surrounding possible preclearance in the three areas of customs, immigration, and plant quarantine.
