–as ‘CARI Cargo Inc.’ incorporated in Guyana

CARI Cargo Inc., the company responsible for regional ferry service among Guyana, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago, has been officially incorporated in Georgetown, Guyana.
This announcement was made by Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney-General, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, S.C., during his weekly programme, “Issues in the News”.

Trinidad’s Galleons Passage will commence operations between Guyana and Trinidad initially, with plans to extend services to Barbados.
The vessel boasts a capacity for 400 passengers and 60 cars, along with on-board amenities including a cafeteria, bar, and VIP lounge.

Nandlall highlighted that “Cari Cargo Inc.” will be governed by directors from Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana, with the aim of expanding the initiative across the Caribbean following a successful pilot phase.

“As the heads have indicated, in fact, as President Dr Irfaan Ali has indicated, this is intended to be replicated across the Caribbean. Trinidad, Barbados and Guyana are simply executing a pilot, and once it is successful, then the intent is to expand it across the region,” Nandlall pointed out.

The initiative aligns with the Caribbean Development Bank’s commitment to enhancing food security and regional cooperation by financing consultancy services to explore options for establishing a Maritime Cargo Service among Barbados, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago, primarily for the transportation of agricultural products.

Last month, a delegation from Guyana, led by Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, and included Brian Sears, Chief Plant Protection Officer, Ministry of Agriculture; Stephen Telford, Head of Immigration, and Rohan Beekhoo, Comptroller Customs Excise and Trade, Guyana Revenue Authority, met with officials at the Ministry of Works and Transport, Trinidad, and Tobago.

An inspection of the Galleons Passage in Port of Spain was conducted by ministers and technical officials followed by discussions also centred on the other areas of importance to the proposal for the common transportation system such as plant quarantine, including sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) matters and immigration, and custom for the movement of people and goods for trade.

A system for pre-clearance was also proposed for implementation.
The Heads of Customs, Immigration, and Plant Quarantine from Guyana, Barbados, and Trinidad & Tobago agreed that most systems were already in place, and could be adjusted to accommodate this, especially considering the existing Guyana and Suriname Ferry Service arrangement to facilitate this commitment by the President of Guyana and the Prime Ministers of Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago.

A team of technical officials from Trinidad & Tobago were expected to visit Guyana and Barbados to inspect port infrastructure to accommodate the proposed ferry service

President Ali had previously highlighted that there are ongoing discussions for a specialised ferry service with Aruba, catering specifically to the transportation of agricultural produce.
Given Guyana’s strategic geographical location on South America’s edge, it stands as the shortest and most cost-effective route for Brazilian exports through the Panama Canal.

Highlighting Guyana’s potential as a major transport hub, President Ali envisions the country becoming the gateway between South America and the world, unlocking vast opportunities for investments and trade.

The President stressed the need for structured mechanisms to harness the potential of inter-regional trade among the Caribbean, South America, and Africa.
The Head of State had underscored the importance of building transportation links via sea and air to achieve greater integration.

Guyana’s strategic significance was reaffirmed during a trilateral meeting among President Ali, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio ‘Lula’ da Silva and Surinamese President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi.

The leaders issued a joint declaration, setting the stage for a comprehensive strategic roadmap with working groups in infrastructure, energy, and security.

Notable projects, such as the full paving of the Linden-Lethem Road, are intended to enhance connectivity and facilitate the movement of agricultural and mineral products between Brazil and Guyana.