Guyana has officially lodged a diplomatic protest against Suriname’s controversial decision to impose fees for usage of the shared Corentyne River, President Irfaan Ali announced Thursday. The Guyanese government characterized the move as a “troubling development” that primarily affects Guyanese timber and quarry operators who rely on the bordering waterway for commercial activities.
In a statement published on his official Facebook page, President Ali revealed that his administration has formally communicated its objections to Surinamese authorities and is currently awaiting their response. The President emphasized that Suriname’s unilateral action carries significant implications for established economic activities and long-standing bilateral arrangements between the two South American nations.
Ali expressed hope that Suriname would reconsider the fees in the interest of preserving bilateral trade relations, fostering private sector development, and maintaining principles of good neighborly relations. He cautioned that such measures risk creating unnecessary commercial barriers and could undermine business confidence that depends on predictable operating conditions.
The Guyanese leader reminded Suriname that Surinamese businesses have historically enjoyed non-discriminatory access to economic opportunities within Guyana’s borders. “This openness has been a cornerstone of our engagement. Reciprocity remains a fundamental principle underpinning our relationship,” President Ali stated.
The protest was raised in the spirit of diplomatic dialogue and mutual respect, with Guyana emphasizing the importance of preserving cooperative relations between the neighboring countries. President Ali called for urgent attention to the matter, expecting Surinamese authorities to “reconsider and ultimately desist from any actions that may be perceived as arbitrary or detrimental to the shared objective of deepening cooperation.”