Berbice Chamber express concerns over Corentyne River fees

The Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA) is raising alarm over what it describes as the unilateral imposition of fees on vessels operating along the Corentyne River, warning that the development is creating uncertainty and placing an increasing burden on residents and businesses in Upper Corentyne communities.

In a statement issued on March 31, the Chamber said it has received numerous reports from stakeholders about charges being levied on Guyanese operating vessels along the river, a situation it says is disrupting livelihoods and long-established patterns of trade and movement.

For generations, the Corentyne River has served as a vital artery for transportation, commerce and social connectivity for communities such as Orealla, Siparuta and surrounding areas. However, the BCCDA said the newly imposed fees are now threatening that lifeline by introducing both economic strain and legal uncertainty.

“The Corentyne River is not merely a border; it is a lifeline for our people,” said BCCDA President Samantha Reid. “These unilateral fees represent a significant escalation that our small business owners and residents cannot absorb. We are witnessing a situation where Guyanese are being penalised for utilising shared water-space that has always been used freely for legitimate trade and travel. This action directly impedes the ease of doing business and disrupts the longstanding relations between our border communities.”

While acknowledging that cross-border management falls within the scope of national sovereignty, the Chamber argued that the abrupt implementation of the fees, without consultation or reciprocal arrangements, undermines the spirit of cooperation between Guyana and Suriname.

The BCCDA is calling on the Government of Guyana, particularly the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, to urgently engage Suriname to clarify the legal basis of the charges and seek their suspension. It is also urging authorities to provide clear guidance to Guyanese operating on the river regarding their rights and obligations, and to ensure a stronger presence in Upper Corentyne communities to monitor the situation and assist affected residents.

The Chamber warned that if left unaddressed, the issue could stifle economic activity in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), discourage cross-border investment and increase the cost of living for communities that depend heavily on the movement of goods along the river.

The concern raised by the BCCDA comes amid a widening debate on the issue, which has also drawn responses from other private sector bodies and the Government. President Irfaan Ali recently said the matter had been brought to his attention, noting that such charges could create barriers to commerce and undermine business confidence, while stressing the importance of reciprocity in relations between Guyana and Suriname.

Business chambers have since adopted differing tones. The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce has urged continued diplomatic engagement between the two Governments, emphasising the need for stability, predictability and a mutually acceptable resolution to avoid disruption to cross-border trade and investment.

Meanwhile, the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce has highlighted the immediate economic pressures facing operators, with its Vice President, Mohamed Jaichand, warning that new requirements, including a reported US$2,500 “pilot licence” along with additional broker and vessel-related fees are likely to drive up the cost of materials such as sand, stone and lumber, particularly in Upper Corentyne communities.

The BCCDA said it will continue to monitor the situation closely and is urging affected businesses and residents to document and report any incidents to the relevant authorities, as stakeholders await a response at the Government level to bring clarity and stability to operations along the Corentyne River.