The Government of Guyana has formally protested charges instituted by authorities in the Republic of Suriname for the use of the Corentyne River, saying the move threatens to disrupt commerce and undermine longstanding bilateral arrangements.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali, in a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, said the charges particularly affect timber and quarry operators and have implications for economic activity between the two neighboring countries.
“It has been brought to my attention that the authorities in the Republic of Suriname have instituted charges for the use of the Corentyne River, particularly affecting timber and quarry operators,” the President said.
Ali said Guyana has already lodged a formal protest with the Surinamese authorities and is awaiting a response.
“The Government of Guyana has formally lodged a protest with the Surinamese authorities on this matter and we are currently awaiting a response,” he said.
He added that Guyana has raised its concerns “in the spirit of dialogue and mutual respect,” while underscoring the importance of preserving the cooperative and friendly relations shared by both countries.
The issue touches a historically sensitive and commercially important waterway that remains central to trade, transport and movement between Guyana and Suriname. Surinamese outlets have, in recent months, highlighted continued state attention on economic activity linked to river transport, extractive industries and cross-border movement, even as both countries continue discussions on deeper transport and trade integration, including the proposed Corentyne River bridge.
President Ali said it is his “sincere hope” that the Government of Suriname will give urgent attention to the matter in the interest of sustaining and strengthening bilateral trade, fostering private sector development and upholding the principles of good neighbourly relations.
“Measures of this nature risk creating unnecessary barriers to commerce and could undermine the confidence of businesses that rely on predictable and fair operating conditions,” he said.
Ali also reminded Suriname that Surinamese businesses and investors have long benefited from opportunities in Guyana without discrimination or undue restriction.
“I wish to remind the Government of Suriname that Surinamese businesses and investors have long benefited from opportunities within our economy, where they have operated without discrimination or undue restriction. This openness has been a cornerstone of our engagement,” he said.
The President said reciprocity remains a fundamental principle underpinning the Guyana-Suriname relationship and expressed the expectation that the Surinamese authorities will reconsider any action that may be seen as arbitrary or detrimental to the shared objective of deepening cooperation.
“We therefore expect that the Surinamese authorities will reconsider and ultimately desist from any actions that may be perceived as arbitrary or detrimental to the shared objective of deepening cooperation,” he said.
“Such steps are essential to ensuring that our relations continue to be guided by mutual respect and good neighbourliness.”
The Government of Guyana has not yet indicated whether any further diplomatic or policy action will follow if the issue is not resolved.