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Search on for ferry to launch delayed regional ferry service
(Kaieteur News) – After scrapping an earlier vessel deemed unfit for the route, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Monday said that the government is seeking a more suitable ferry to launch the long-delayed regional service linking Guyana with Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, as part of efforts to advance regional integration.
Speaking with reporters on the sidelines of an event in Kitty to announce the success of a pilot onion cultivation project in Region Nine, Mustapha disclosed that the vessel previously identified for the route was rejected after technical evaluations found it incapable of efficiently servicing the Guyana–Caribbean corridor.
While plans had been progressing, the assessments ultimately determined that the ferry was not suitable for the operational demands of the journey but despite the setback, the minister said that the initiative remains a priority for the administration.
Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha
He explained that authorities are continuing to explore options to secure a vessel that meets safety and performance requirements, while ensuring reliability for both passenger and cargo transport. The proposed service is expected to play a significant role in reducing transportation costs and improving connectivity within the region, particularly by providing an alternative to air travel and easing the movement of goods.
Mustapha also reminded that President Irfaan Ali has identified Parika as the designated landing site in Guyana. Plans are in train to develop the necessary infrastructure at the location, including port facilities, and systems for customs, immigration and plant quarantine to support efficient processing.
The ferry service is intended to transport both passengers and containerised cargo, with officials highlighting its potential to strengthen trade ties and support food security initiatives among the participating countries. The project had previously been advanced following high-level discussions in Trinidad and Tobago, where regional partners agreed to fast-track pre-clearance arrangements to facilitate the service.
Ali had earlier expressed confidence that the initiative would signal a new phase of cooperation among participating states, while encouraging private sector investment in regional logistics and supply chain development. No new timeline has been announced.
Speaking at the opening of the 12th annual Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) consultation with Caribbean Governors in February 2024, Ali had expressed optimism that the regional ferry service could be operational within approximately three months.
His remarks followed a high-level meeting in Trinidad and Tobago held two weeks earlier, where participating countries agreed to complete pre-clearance arrangements for immigration, customs and plant quarantine within a two-month timeframe, with the aim of fast-tracking implementation of the service. Ali had also underscored the importance of private sector involvement, noting that the initiative is intended to encourage broader investment in supply chain and logistics systems across the region. “We have launched the first phase of this. In another two, or three months, that ferry will begin operations, and we are hoping that this will instil confidence in the private sector, and for the IDB investors, this is an excellent opportunity to bring a regional consortium together,” he said.
The Head of State further told the IDB forum that the project reflects a shared commitment among the participating countries to address common regional challenges. He described the effort as part of a “coalition of the willing,” signalling a readiness by like-minded states to move ahead with innovative solutions, while allowing others to join at a later stage. “We are not waiting on everyone. Those who are willing to start will move forward, and others will come on board when they are ready,” he added.
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