Guyana protests Suriname over Corentyne River fees

Last Updated on Friday, 27 March 2026, 18:54 by Writer

President Irfaan Ali on Thursday said his administration has formally protested Suriname’s charging of fees for the use of the bordering Corentyne River.

“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 in a statement on his Facebook page.

Calling the introduction of fees a “troubling development,” he said the levy was affecting mainly Guyanese timber and quarry operators.

The President said Suriname’s decision has implications for economic activities and the long-standing arrangements between Guyana and Suriname.

He hoped that in the interest of sustaining and strengthening bilateral trade, fostering private sector development, and upholding the principles of good neighbourly relations, the Suriname government “will give urgent attention to this issue.”

He cautioned that measures of that nature risk creating unnecessary barriers to commerce and could undermine the confidence of businesses that rely on predictable and fair operating conditions.

“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 also said.

Dr Ali said the Guyana government had raised its concerns in the spirit of dialogue and mutual respect, mindful of the importance of preserving the cooperative and friendly relations between his country and Suriname.

The Guyanese leader reminded the Suriname government that Surinamese businesses and investors had long benefited from opportunities within Guyana’s economy, “where they have operated without discrimination or undue restriction.”

“This openness has been a cornerstone of our engagement. Reciprocity remains a fundamental principle underpinning our relationship,” he said.

The President said such steps are essential to ensuring that relations between Guyana and Suriname continue to be guided by mutual respect and good neighbourliness.