It has been brought to the attention of the Ministry of Agriculture through the English Bulletin of the de ware tijd August 20, 2009 edition, that the Surinamese authorities have closed routes across the Corentyne River to protect their agricultural sector, in particular the banana sector, against an unidentified disease.

In a comment last evening, Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud said the reason advanced by the Surinamese authorities is because the disease is suspected to be rampant in Guyana and can devastate Suriname’s agricultural sector.

“I wish to indicate that this is not so and an unidentified disease has been found in isolated banana fields and is at a level which has not impacted banana production negatively and is being closely monitored by local and international technical staff,” Minister Persaud said..

“ However, we note the collaborative efforts between IICA Guyana, IICA Suriname and CHF which have resulted in some scientific work being done in advancing the understanding of the disease, but this study does not confirm the Surinamese action.

“Further, I note that this work has been unable to definitively identify and confirm the disease causing agent, but has made claims to have done so.

“Notwithstanding, a series of disease management strategies have been put in place in Guyana to minimize its incidence and reduce its impact on production. These strategies are also applicable to all agricultural materials entering cross border trade.

“I have since directed the Chief Crops and Livestock Officer and the Technical Manager of the Plant Health Services to travel to Suriname tomorrow (Friday) to hold discussions with counterparts on ensuring effective cross border PhytoSanitary measures.

“I wish to encourage Surinamese authorities to work with us and to take all measures to ensure there is no disruption in cross border trade with unaffected agricultural produce. I intend to hold further discussions with my counterpart Minister of Agriculture of Suriname, Hon. K. Stanley Raghoebarsing on Tuesday in Paramaribo on this matter and other related issues”,Minister Persaud concluded.