The Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCCDA) has raised concerns over “River fees” imposed by Suriname authorities against Guyanese citizens operating vessels in the Corentyne River. The Association is calling on the Government of Guyana to intervene.
See full statement below:
The Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCCDA) is expressing grave concern regarding the growing uncertainty faced by residents and business owners in Upper Corentyne communities due to the unilateral imposition of river fees by Surinamese authorities.
Over recent weeks, the Chamber has received numerous reports from stakeholders regarding the levying of fees on Guyanese citizens operating vessels along the Corentyne River. These fees, imposed by the Surinamese government or entities operating under its jurisdiction, are creating an unsustainable economic burden and a climate of legal uncertainty for communities that depend on the river for their livelihoods.
For generations, the Corentyne River has served as a vital artery for trade, transportation, and family connectivity for communities such as Orealla, Siparuta, and the surrounding areas. The newly imposed fees threaten the traditional patterns of movement and commerce that are essential to the social and economic fabric of the region.
“The Corentyne River is not merely a border; it is a lifeline for our people,” said Samantha Reid, President of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association.
“These unilateral fees represent a significant escalation that our small business owners and residents cannot absorb. We are witnessing a situation where Guyanese are being penalized for utilizing shared water-space that has always been used freely for legitimate trade and travel. This action directly impedes the ease of doing business and disrupts the longstanding relations between our border communities.”
The Chamber acknowledges that while cross-border management is a matter of state sovereignty, the abrupt implementation of these fees without clear consultation or reciprocal agreements undermines the spirit of cooperation between Guyana and Suriname.
The BCCCDA is calling on the Government of Guyana, specifically the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs, to take the following actions as a matter of urgency:
- Engage in immediate diplomatic dialogue with the Government of Suriname to clarify the legal basis of these fees and seek their suspension.
- Provide clear guidance and protection to Guyanese nationals operating on the Corentyne River regarding their rights and obligations.
- Ensure the presence of relevant Guyanese authorities in the Upper Corentyne region to monitor the situation and assist affected citizens.
The Chamber further warns that if left unaddressed, this uncertainty will stifle economic activity in the Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) area, discouraging cross-border investment and increasing the cost of living for vulnerable communities that rely on the movement of goods.
“We cannot allow bureaucratic overreach to cripple the economic potential of our borderlands. We stand ready to work with the government to find an amicable solution that respects the rights of Guyanese citizens while fostering a stable and predictable business environment.”
The Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association will continue to monitor the situation closely and urges all affected businesses and residents to document any incidents and report them to the relevant authorities.
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