THE Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has issued a sharp rebuke of Suriname’s recent actions along the Corentyne River, warning that Guyana’s continued goodwill is being undermined by what it describes as deliberate attempts to stall development in Berbice.

In a statement issued on Friday, the private sector body condemned the unilateral imposition of new fees on Guyanese vessels using the shared waterway, arguing that the move directly contradicts efforts to strengthen bilateral trade.

“Guyana cannot continue to act in good faith and pursue infrastructural development that will benefit Suriname, even as our Dutch neighbour enforces measures geared towards stymying the development of Berbice,” the GCCI stated.

The Chamber described the fees as “exorbitant” and a “slap in the face” of  ongoing cooperation, noting that the development has reignited long-standing concerns within the business community in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). 

LONG-STANDING TENSIONS RESURFACE

According to the GCCI, the issue goes beyond the recent river charges, and reflects a pattern of what it considers unfair and one-sided practices by Surinamese authorities.

“For years, Guyanese businesses and fishermen have lamented the challenges experienced as a result of unfair and one-sided practices… that have created obstacles,” the statement noted.

The Chamber also raised alarm over the influx of illicit and counterfeit goods entering Guyana, arguing that weak regulatory controls and adherence to the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) framework have left local businesses exposed.

It warned that products such as cigarettes, banned pesticides and mosquito coils pose health risks while simultaneously creating unfair competition for local manufacturers.

SOVEREIGNTY CONCERNS FLAGGED

Escalating its position, the GCCI linked the issue to broader territorial tensions, pointing to Suriname’s claim to the New River Triangle, and recalling the 2000 expulsion of the CGX oil rig, an incident it said delayed Guyana’s oil development by nearly two decades.

The Chamber argued that these developments suggest a “pattern of behaviour” aimed at obstructing Guyana’s economic progress, particularly in Berbice.

Against this backdrop, the GCCI is now urging a pause on one of the most significant cross-border infrastructure projects between the two countries.

“As such, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) calls on the Government of Guyana to halt discussions on the development of the Corentyne River Bridge… unless these issues are permanently resolved,” the statement said.

The Chamber stressed that Guyana must prioritise partnerships grounded in mutual respect and reciprocity, warning against continued engagement where national development is being hindered.

“Our resources must be channelled towards undertakings that yield mutual benefit, and ought not include partners who frustrate and obstruct our people’s advancement,” the GCCI added.

The GCCI’s position adds to growing pressure from business groups across the country, particularly in Berbice, where stakeholders say the new fees threaten trade, livelihoods and regional economic stability.

With tensions now spilling into major infrastructure negotiations, the issue has evolved from a trade irritant into a broader test of Guyana–Suriname relations, one that could have long-term implications for cross-border investment and cooperation.

Guyana had lodged a protest with Suriname, calling the move a “troubling development” that disrupts long-standing arrangements and creates barriers to commerce.

It emphasised that “reciprocity is very important” and that Surinamese businesses have traditionally operated in Guyana without such restrictions.

Guyana warned that these measures would undermine business confidence and that the country may have to make necessary adjustments if not corrected.

Meanwhile, Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) called for the “immediate reversal” of the charges, stating they increase the cost of doing business and represent a “troubling step backwards” in bilateral relations.

The Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCC&DA) had also warned of “devastating economic impact” and “catastrophic repercussions” for the Upper Corentyne region, particularly affecting communities like Orealla and Siparuta.

The Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) had called for continued diplomatic engagement and direct dialogue between the two governments to resolve the issue and avoid long-term damage to the business climate.