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Norton says historical evidence can strengthen Guyana’s position on Corentyne River dispute
(Kaieteur News) – Chairman of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Aubrey Norton, said Friday that Guyana’s historical records could strengthen its position in the ongoing discussions with Suriname over the use of the Corentyne River.
Speaking at the coalition’s press conference, Norton said the longstanding dispute requires sustained diplomatic engagement backed by clear historical evidence.
Chairman of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Aubrey Norton
“Well, I would say this… we are well aware that there is a dispute there and I think the fundamental problem has been there hasn’t been consistent engagement to resolve it. Unless there is consistent engagement and we put the historical facts and deal with it, it will not be dealt with easily,” he told the press.
He said Guyana has documentation that supports its historical use of the river, which he believes can help reinforce its case in negotiations.
“Guyana has historical records that it’s been utilised and that can bolster its case,” he stated.
He also pointed to periods of cooperation between Guyana and Suriname in which river access was reportedly less contentious, noting that such arrangements appeared to have changed over time.
However, he criticised what he described as the government’s lack of consistent diplomatic engagement on the matter, not only with Suriname, but also in wider regional relations.
“To the extent that there is inconsistency in diplomacy, whether with Suriname or Venezuela, it creates problems in resolving these kinds of issues,” he said.
On the issue of charges being imposed for river usage, particularly affecting timber, quarry, and transport operators, the PNC leader said he does not support the move.
He argued that since the matter remains unresolved, the current arrangements should remain in place while both countries continue negotiations toward a mutually acceptable outcome.
“I think the status quo should be allowed to continue while Guyana and Suriname engage and make consensus decisions on the use of the river,” he said.
The comments come as tensions continue over new fees reportedly imposed by Suriname on river users, with operators facing significant costs for transportation and licensing. According to the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry, operators are now facing fees of up to US$2,500 per trip. Brokers are also being charged between US$1,000 and US$1,500 under what are being classified as “pilot licences.”
President Irfaan Ali said last week that the matter remains a top priority. Earlier, he said Guyana was intensifying diplomatic engagement to address the issue, describing it as a priority matter for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Stakeholders in the Upper Corentyne region have raised concerns that the fees are placing financial strain on river-based trade and could negatively impact communities that depend heavily on the waterway for transportation of goods.
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