By: Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has issued a scathing condemnation of Suriname’s recent actions along the shared Corentyne River, describing them as a direct attempt to “stymie the development of Berbice.” In a major policy shift, the private sector body is now calling on the Government of Guyana to suspend all discussions regarding the US$236 million Corentyne River Bridge until these economic and territorial disputes are permanently resolved.
The GCCI’s sharp rebuke follows the “unilateral and exorbitant” fees recently imposed by Surinamese authorities on Guyanese vessel operators, a move that has sent shockwaves through the Berbice business community.
Waterway Fees: An “Unsustainable Economic Burden”
At the heart of the current friction is Suriname’s decision to institute high maritime tolls for Guyanese companies using the Corentyne River—a vital artery for the timber, quarry, and transport sectors.
- Exorbitant Costs: Reports from the Upper Corentyne Chamber indicate that some vessel operators are being hit with “pilot license” fees as high as US$2,500 per trip, with additional brokerage fees reaching up to US$1,500.
- The GCCI’s Stance: The Chamber argued that while Guyana has acted in good faith to foster bilateral trade, Suriname’s fees represent a “lack of reciprocity.” The GCCI maintains that Guyana cannot continue to pursue massive infrastructure projects that primarily benefit its neighbor while Guyanese businesses are being “frustrated and obstructed.”
Illicit Goods and Market Distortion
The Chamber also raised the alarm regarding the influx of counterfeit and illicit goods from across the eastern border, which it claims is a byproduct of lax regulations and one-sided border controls.
- Counterfeit Influx: Local manufacturers are reportedly struggling against unfair competition from smuggled cigarettes, banned pesticides, and dangerous mosquito coils.
- CSME Violations: The GCCI noted that while Guyana has respected the spirit of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) by allowing the free movement of goods, the lack of similar “goodwill” from Suriname has left Guyanese markets vulnerable to harmful, unregulated products.
Geopolitical Alarms: The New River Triangle
In a significant escalation of rhetoric, the GCCI drew a direct parallel between Suriname’s territorial assertions and the ongoing crisis with Venezuela.
- Sovereignty Concerns: The Chamber highlighted Suriname’s continued claim over the New River Triangle, suggesting that these “illegal claims” are a primary motivation for the impediments being placed on Berbice’s development.
- History Repeating: The statement recalled the June 2000 CGX rig incident, where the Surinamese Navy used force to remove a Guyanese oil rig, an act that the GCCI notes “delayed first oil by 19 years.” The Chamber warned that without mutual respect, the development of the resource-rich Berbice region remains at risk of similar geopolitical sabotage.
The GCCI Ultimatum to Suriname
No Cooperation Without Reciprocity
The GCCI’s statement serves as a stern reminder that the “One Guyana” economic boom requires neighbors who are partners, not obstacles. As President Dr. Irfaan Ali continues to engage in high-level diplomatic protests with the Surinamese government, the private sector’s message is clear: the bridge to a shared future cannot be built on a foundation of “stalled development and unilateral fees.” For the GCCI, the US$236 million project should remain on the shelf until the waters of the Corentyne are free for Guyanese commerce once again.
