Suriname Foreign Minister engages Guyanese authorities after Pres. Ali protests new charges

The Surinamese Foreign Minister has engaged local authorities after Guyanese President Dr. Irfaan Ali made known his objections to the Dutch-speaking nation’s move to institute charges for the use of the Corentyne River, particularly for timber and quarry operators.

In a statement published on Facebook on Thursday morning, President Ali described the development as troubling, noting that it could have significant implications for economic activity and longstanding arrangements between Guyana and Suriname. He expressed hope that Suriname would urgently address the matter, warning that such measures could create unnecessary barriers to trade and undermine confidence among businesses.

The Guyanese leader reiterated these sentiments during an engagement with reporters on Thursday afternoon. He also said Suriname Foreign Minister, Melvin Bouva, has engaged Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, after his (the President’s) Facebook post was made.

“… we are hoping that this can be resolved as friends,” President Ali told reporters.

The Guyanese leader also pointed out that Surinamese businesses have long benefited from operating within Guyana’s economy without discrimination or restriction. He stressed that reciprocity remains a key principle in the relationship between the two countries and called on Suriname to reconsider the reported charges.