HGP Nightly News – President Irfaan Ali has said that Guyana has placed significant attention on the issue of newly imposed river charges by Suriname, describing it as a priority matter for the Government. His comments came as questions continue over how Guyana is addressing the issue and whether there has been any formal response through diplomatic channels. While the President confirmed that the matter was raised during his recent visit to Suriname, he did not provide direct details on the status of a diplomatic note, instead referring that aspect to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Speaking on the sidelines of an event at Base Camp Ayanganna, President Ali said the issue is receiving continuous attention from the Foreign Affairs Ministry. “This is a matter that we have placed tremendous emphasis on. It’s a priority matter for Ministry of Foreign Affair, every day you’re engaged on it,” the President said. He also noted that he raised the matter directly with Surinamese officials during his engagement there. “Of course, I raise the matter with the Minister of Foreign Affairs,” he added.
When asked whether Guyana had received a response to its diplomatic note, President Ali did not give a direct answer. Instead, he said that matter is being handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is dealing with a diplomatic note… you can speak to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about that,” he said. Although he did not elaborate further, the President indicated that the Government intends to continue pressing the issue and said advocacy efforts will be increased in the coming days to help move the matter toward resolution.
Ali also indicated that the issue has widened beyond the newly imposed river charges and now includes concerns related to fishing licences as part of Guyana’s broader engagement with Suriname. That suggests the discussions are taking place within a wider framework of unresolved bilateral matters involving access, regulation and economic activity. The President’s comments point to an ongoing diplomatic process rather than a settled issue.
He also stressed the importance of public and media understanding of matters involving borders and related national interests. With the river charges and fishing licence concerns now forming part of the broader discussion between the two countries, the issue remains one that is likely to continue drawing attention. For now, the Government says diplomatic engagement is ongoing as Guyana seeks to have the matter addressed.
