Latest update November 24th, 2024 1:00 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

What archives?

Oct 29, 2008 Features / Columnists

The Parrot has been following the recent developments with regard to Suriname seizing a Guyanese vessel and the use of the Corentyne River. Obviously, something is amiss. As Lorrie would say, “Ting nah regular,” or “Ting plenty nah regular.”
Now, this is a border river, and like all border rivers, countries — in this case Guyana and Suriname — have equal rights in terms of use.
The Corentyne River has been where it is since ever. Agreements were reached in the past going back hundreds of years. Usage of this river has been generally peaceful, barring incidents like the CGX removal and the most recent sugar vessel seizure. Records have shown that our eastern neighbour has a tendency to resort to the use of force as it relates to vessels which have a link to Guyana.
Of course, we have taken a different approach — diplomatic resolution. We were vindicated in the use of this in the Tribunal Award. On the current crisis, letters were dispatched to the United Nations and CARICOM.
Why would Suriname resort to force without trying to have the matter resolved, at least through CARICOM? It was Guyana that presented Suriname’s case to join the regional fraternity. In addition to this, only a few miles separate us, and we are both part of the Guyana Shield. It is clear that Suriname’s action poses some challenges to CARICOM.
Guyana, during the EPA discussions, reiterated the need for regional integration. This was evident in our relentless effort to have the EU recognise the Treaty of Chaguaramas. One of the two clauses that were included before we signed the EPA speaks volumes for our commitment to regionalism.
Having taken this position, Suriname’s action must be seen as counter to this integration. Guyana has been in the forefront on regional integration from the inception, decades ago. We have always been the headquarters of CARICOM. We built a secretariat a few years ago. This is testimony to our resolve in this regard. Therefore, we cannot afford to be as irresponsible as Suriname. We have to continue to lead in the area of regional integration. As a result, Suriname’s action must be condemned by all, including CARICOM.
It is understandable that they would be disappointed at the Tribunal Award. This, however, is not an excuse for them to execute the actions they did. Their gun boats removed CGX eight years ago. Is it a coincidence that the seizure of the sugar vessel recently occurred almost the same time that CGX was to re-commence operations? Having read the Suriname Ambassador’s position a few days ago, it is difficult to see logic from their perspective. The question is: why these sporadic incidents of aggression?
When pressed to explain their reasons, reporters were told to check the archives. What archives? If there are, as the Ambassador claimed, statutes to vindicate their actions, then why not make them public? Why hide in the archives?
Further, the ambassador said the action was not one of aggression. Well, Roger answered that. What is it then, an invitation to dinner? Suriname has a history of internal conflicts; some unfortunately resulted in the loss of lives. I hate to believe that the scars of those conflicts would have caused Surinamese to become immune to aggression, so much so that it cannot be recognised. What is regular is their aggression. Sorry, Lorrie, some things are regular. Squawk! Squawk!

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | November, 20th, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

West Indies ride on Greaves’ 115 to exert dominance over Bangladesh

West Indies ride on Greaves’ 115 to exert dominance over...

Nov 24, 2024

ESPNcricinfo – A maiden Test century for Justin Greaves headlined a dominant day for West Indies against Bangladesh on day two of the Antigua Test. After his 115 helped West Indies post 450 for...
Read More
Marian, Potaro, Waramuri and St John the Baptist advance into the semis

Marian, Potaro, Waramuri and St John the Baptist...

Nov 24, 2024

Adams, Ghani smash hundreds in runs-filled ERC T10 Tapeball 

Adams, Ghani smash hundreds in runs-filled ERC...

Nov 24, 2024

RHTYSC honours top LCSS Student with Claudette Foster Memorial Award

RHTYSC honours top LCSS Student with Claudette...

Nov 24, 2024

IBA President congratulates Steve Ninvalle on his re-election as GBA head

IBA President congratulates Steve Ninvalle on his...

Nov 24, 2024

Fireworks expected in Mayoral Cycle Road Race in New Amsterdam today as Mayor expected to lead ride off

Fireworks expected in Mayoral Cycle Road Race in...

Nov 24, 2024

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]