Guyana to soon step up advocacy on Corentyne River fees – Pres. Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali today affirmed that the Government of Guyana will soon step up its advocacy to address the fees imposed by Suriname for the use of the Corentyne River, which serves as a border between the two countries.

“In another few days, we will step up our advocacy in getting this matter sorted,” the Guyanese leader told reporters on the sidelines of an event today.

Only yesterday, President Ali visited Suriname where he delivered remarks at the funeral service for former president Chandrikaperad Santokhi.

While that was the primary reason for his visit, the Head of State told reporters that he used the opportunity to engage Suriname’s Minister of Foreign Affairs on the issue.

President Ali further emphasised that this is a priority matter for Guyana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Suriname recently instituted fees for the use of the Corentyne River, which borders the two country – a move which local stakeholders say will significantly impact economic activities in Guyana, especially in the Berbice region.

Guyana has already formally protested the decision, with President Ali previously expressing that “measures of this nature risk creating unnecessary barriers to commerce and could undermine the confidence of businesses that rely on predictable and fair operating conditions.”

President Ali had also previously reminded the Government of Suriname that, “Surinamese businesses and investors have long benefited from opportunities within our economy, where they have operated without discrimination or undue restriction. This openness has been a cornerstone of our engagement.”

Meanwhile, during his address at the former Surinamese President’s funeral service, President Ali had also subtly addressed the issue, expressing that President Santokhi viewed the shared waterway as a passage of unity between the two countries, not as a border for discord.

Santokhi believed Corentyne River was a passage of unity between Guyana, Suriname – Pres. Ali