President Irfaan Ali today said that discussions are continuing with neighboring Suriname over that country’s imposition of fees for the use of the Corentyne river.

Last week, Guyana protested the move by Suriname, stating that it represents a troubling development that has implications for economic activities and the long-standing arrangements between Guyana and Suriname.

The imposition of the fees affects the timber and quarry operations in particular.

Speaking to reporters today, the President said the Guyana Government will be working overtime to ensure that the matter is resolved in a timely manner.

“This is a matter that we have place tremendous emphasis on, it is a priority matter for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and I have raised this matter and in another few days we will step up our advocacy in getting this matter sorted,” the President said.

The President did not say whether he received a response to the protest note sent to Suriname, but explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been keeping on top of the matter.

The move by Suriname has irritated the local business community, with the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) issuing a call on the Government to suspend all talks with Suriname on the development of the Corentyne River Bridge, until the matter is resolved.

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