Last Updated on Saturday, 29 August 2026, 8:53 by Writer
Former Suriname defence minister Ivan Fernald is his country’s new ambassador to Guyana, and already President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons has urged him to strengthen ties between the two neighbouring countries and keep an eye on the border matters.
“Our sovereignty and territorial integrity, along with mutual respect and mutual benefit, remain paramount in this regard,” she said at the swearing-in of Mr Fernald who served as defence minister under the Ronald Venetiaan administration between 2005 and 2010, and Andy Atmodimedjo who is ambassador to Indonesia.
Mr Fernald replaces Ambassador Liselle Blankendal whose tour of duty ended in late January, 2026.
Mr Fernald’s appointment comes as Guyana and Suriname haggle over his country’s recent suspension of the Corentyne river ferry, the MV Canawaima, and refusal to take up an offer of a temporary vessel on the route.
The ferry resumed operations on Friday pending it going into drydock for extensive repairs and maintenance, and the acquisition of a substitute vessel.
Guyana and Suriname are also yet to resolve their decades-old border dispute over the 15,600 kilometre New River triangle area.
Suriname is also not in favour of joint financing of the construction of the Corentyne River bridge.
The Surinamese leader expects the new envoy to pay special attention to strengthening that Dutch-speaking nation’s political and diplomatic relations, promoting trade and investment, and showcasing the Surinamese identity as well as the potential of her country and people.
“After all, Suriname must be positioned as a potential, strategic, and reliable partner,” she said.
Dr Geerlings-Simons told Ambassador Fernald that the relationship between Guyana and Suriname holds a special place in “our” foreign policy.
“Our bond predates the establishment of diplomatic relations and is rooted in family ties, trade, culture, and the movement of people.
As neighbors, we focus on what unites us rather than what divides us, without losing sight of the challenges involved,” she said.
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