Berbice chamber sounds alarm over “unilateral” Corentyne River fees by Suriname

Apr 03, 2026 News

…calls for urgent state intervention

(Kaieteur News) – The Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCC&DA) is calling for government intervention following the imposition of “unilateral” river fees by Surinamese authorities.

In a statement released March 31, 2026, the Chamber warned that the new charges have created a climate of grave uncertainty for residents and business owners in Upper Corentyne communities. These fees, which target Guyanese vessel operators, are being described as an unsustainable economic burden on a region that has relied on the Corentyne River for trade and connectivity for generations.

According to reports from the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the financial impact is already severe, with some operators facing “pilot license” fees as high as US$2,500 per trip. Additional brokerage fees ranging from US$1,000 to US$1,500 are further straining the logistics of moving essential goods. BCC&DA President Samantha Reid emphasized that the river is a vital lifeline for communities like Orealla and Siparuta, noting that the fees penalize Guyanese for using shared water-space that has historically been open for legitimate commerce.

The Chamber argues that while cross-border management involves state sovereignty, the lack of consultation or reciprocal agreements undermines regional cooperation. They are now calling on the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs to engage in immediate diplomatic dialogue with Suriname to suspend the fees. Furthermore, the Chamber is requesting a stronger presence of Guyanese authorities in the region to monitor the situation and provide legal guidance to affected nationals who feel their rights are being infringed upon.

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. The diplomatic friction has already reached the highest levels of government, with President Dr. Irfaan Ali lodging a formal protest. The administration has pointed out that Surinamese businesses typically operate in Guyana without such restrictive barriers.

Last week in a press statement President Ali warned that the fees impacting key sectors like timber and quarrying risk undermining long-standing bilateral arrangements and eroding business confidence between the two neighbours. “These reports, represent a troubling development that has implications for economic activities and the long-standing arrangements between Guyana and Suriname. The Government of Guyana has formally lodged a protest with the Surinamese authorities on this matter and we are currently awaiting a response. We have raised our concerns in the spirit of dialogue and mutual respect, mindful of the importance of preserving the cooperative and friendly relations between our countries,” President Ali said last week I his initial reaction to the matter.

He said it is his sincere hope that, in the interest of sustaining and strengthening bilateral trade, fostering private sector development, and upholding the principles of good neighbourly relations, the Government of Suriname will give urgent attention to this issue. “Measures of this nature risk creating unnecessary barriers to commerce and could undermine the confidence of businesses that rely on predictable and fair operating conditions. I wish to remind the Government of Suriname that Surinamese businesses and investors have long benefited from opportunities within our economy, where they have operated without discrimination or undue restriction. This openness has been a cornerstone of our engagement,” President Ali said.

He said reciprocity remains a fundamental principle underpinning our relationship. “We therefore expect that the Surinamese authorities will reconsider and ultimately desist from any actions that may be perceived as arbitrary or detrimental to the shared objective of deepening cooperation. Such steps are essential to ensuring that our relations continue to be guided by mutual respect and good neighborliness,” the statement concluded.

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Berbice chamber, Corentyne River, fees, Suriname

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