GOOD neighbourly relations between States are a fillip for peace, good social ties, and particularly good economic relations that will redound to the benefit of their sovereign peoples. Such can be said to characterize the growing warm, friendly relations between Guyana and Suriname. The past year has witnessed an evolution of this growing friendship, from one of uncertainty and tension due to the Corentyne and New River issues, to the current status of growing warmth. This has been further demonstrated with two significant happenings within the past seven days: The return of Surinam Airways, after an absence of six years, and the establishing of a local branch of the Suriname Insurance giant, Assuria.
It must be heartwarming for not only the two governments, but also especially for the citizens of both countries, especially the thousands of Guyanese, many of whom have been living in the Dutch state for decades.
Those two occurrences, definitely signal that both countries are indeed sincere in their efforts of ushering an era of improved relations. For this, both President Desire Bouterse, who took the initiative in stating that the territorial dispute will not be an issue in seeking to work with Guyana, and former President Bharrat Jagdeo must be commended. This was a position that Guyana always represented in seeking better relations.
While the resumption of this airways will definitely result in quicker access to both territories by each other’s citizens, with traders expected to take full advantage of transportation of their goods, the presence of such a mega insurance company points to further confidence in the growing economic strength of Guyana with its investment opportunities, and the furtherance of the CARICOM integration process subscribed to by both sister states.