President Dr. Irfaan Ali says Guyana has formally protested charges reportedly imposed by Surinamese authorities for the use of the Corentyne River, warning that the move could harm trade and disrupt long-standing arrangements between the two neighbouring countries.
In a statement, the President said the issue has particularly affected timber and quarry operators and described the reports as a troubling development with wider implications for economic activity.
According to Ali, the Government of Guyana has already lodged an official protest with the Surinamese authorities and is now awaiting a response.
He said Guyana has raised its concerns in a spirit of dialogue and mutual respect, while remaining mindful of the importance of maintaining cooperative and friendly ties with Suriname.
The Head of State expressed hope that the Surinamese government would move swiftly to address the issue, arguing that measures of this nature risk creating unnecessary obstacles to commerce and could weaken business confidence.
He said such actions could undermine efforts to strengthen bilateral trade and private sector development between the two countries.
President Ali also reminded Suriname that businesses and investors from that country have long enjoyed opportunities within Guyana’s economy without facing discrimination or undue restrictions.
He said that openness has been a key part of the relationship between the two states.
Ali stressed that reciprocity remains a central principle of Guyana’s engagement with Suriname and said Georgetown expects Surinamese authorities to reconsider and ultimately abandon any action that could be seen as arbitrary or harmful to deeper cooperation.
He maintained that preserving mutual respect and good neighbourly relations must remain at the centre of the bilateral relationship.
