The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has issued a call on the Government of Guyana to suspend all talks with Suriname on the development of the Corentyne River Bridge, in wake of Suriname’s move to institute charges for the use of the Corentyne River.

In a statement, the GCCI said as a nation, Guyana must not continue to extend a hand of friendship without reciprocity, adding that Guyana’s resources must be channeled towards undertakings that yield mutual benefit, and ought not include partners who frustrate and obstruct people’s advancement.

The Chamber added that Guyana cannot continue to act in good faith and pursue infrastructural development that will benefit Suriname, while Suriname enforces measures intended to stymie the development of Berbice.

“The recent unilateral imposition of exorbitant fees for the use of shared waterways is a slap in the face of Guyana’s continued attempts to foster bilateral trade relations. While these imposed fees are a new development, it brings to the fore the longstanding challenges experienced by Guyana as a result of Suriname’s lack of good faith and direct attempts to prevent the advancement of the business community in Berbice,” the Georgetown Chamber said.

It was noted that Guyanese businesses and fishermen have repeatedly complained about the challenges experienced as a result of Suriname’s unfair and one-sided practices for several years, and Suriname’s lopsided approach has created obstacles for Guyanese businesses and fishermen.

The GCCI said added to this, Guyana continues to witness the proliferation of counterfeit and illicit goods entering the country from Suriname.

“In keeping with objective of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, Guyana has allowed the free movement of goods and people from Suriname—a decision that has been respected by Guyana’s private sector—however, lax regulations and controls of ports and Guyana’s respect for the spirit of the CSME has rendered our country vulnerable to the movement of illicit, counterfeit, and harmful products into Guyana. These products include cigarettes, banned pesticides and mosquito coils that were found to present significant health risks to consumers,” GCCI said.

The Chamber said in addition to the health implications, the movement of these illicit products have also created challenges for the local manufacturing sector, explaining that the influx of these counterfeit products have resulted in unfair market competition.

GCCI said the transgressions against Guyana have not been limited to its businesses, but there looms a greater infringement to the country’s sovereignty.

“Similar to Venezuela’s unlawful claim to the Essequibo, Suriname continues to lay claim to the New River Triangle. The pursuit of Suriname of this illegal claim seems to be one of the key motivations for the creation of impediments to the rapid pace of development being undertaken in Guyana, including in Berbice, and aimed at preventing this county from reaching its peak potential,” it explained.

GCCI recalled the use of force by Suriname in June 2000 against the CGX rig, which it said delayed first oil by Guyana for some 19 years—in spite of the fact that the rig was in Guyana’s waters.

The Government of Guyana in late March, formally lodged a protest with the Government of Suriname over the institution of charges to use the Corentyne River.

Timber and quarry operations are among those most affected, the Government said, while noting that the troubling development has grave implications for economic activities and the longstanding arrangements between Guyana and Suriname.

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