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Suriname’s US$2,500 river fees threaten Upper Corentyne economy, chamber warns
(Kaieteur News) – The imposition of hefty fees by Suriname for the use of the Corentyne River is sending shockwaves through Guyana’s Upper Corentyne region, with the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCCI) warning that the charges could have a devastating economic impact.
According to the UCCCI, some operators are now facing fees of up to US$2,500 per trip, while brokers are being charged between US$1,000 and US$1,500. Classified as “pilot licenses,” these charges, combined with broker fees, place a significant financial burden on river users, threatening to cripple cross-border trade.
The chamber said in a statement that communities such as Orealla and Siparuta, which rely heavily on the river to transport essential commodities like sand, loam, and timber, will be particularly hard-hit. “The additional cost of doing business will be passed on to purchasers, making operations less competitive in the open market,” the statement warned, predicting “catastrophic repercussions” for the local economy.
Corentyne River
The new fees have already prompted a diplomatic response from Guyana. President Dr. Irfaan Ali lodged a formal protest with Surinamese authorities, emphasising that Surinamese businesses have historically operated in Guyana without undue restriction. Meanwhile, the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) has called for direct dialogue between the two governments to protect the wider investment climate and support projects such as the proposed Corentyne River Bridge.
In light of the crisis, the UCCCI is advocating for the expedited completion of the road linking Crabwood Creek and Orealla, a move it says would eliminate dependence on Suriname’s discretion for river access. “The road will be ours to use freely,” the Chamber noted, while stressing the need for an immediate reversal of the current river policy to prevent further financial strain on Guyanese operators.
UCCCI Vice President Krishnanand Jaichand has reached out to the Private Sector Commission to assist in resolving the issue swiftly. To date, Surinamese authorities have not publicly responded to Guyana’s protest.
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