GOGEC lauds Guyana’s diplomatic approach on fishing licence issue with Suriname

As discussions continue between the Governments of Guyana and Suriname on the age-old fishing licence for Guyanese fisherfolk, the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) has expressed support for the diplomatic approach taken in resolving this issue.
Back in August 2021, the Surinamese Government committed to issuing 150 Guyanese fisherfolk licences starting from January 2022 to operate in Suriname’s territorial waters in the Corentyne River – something that is yet to be done five years later.
In a statement on Thursday, President of GOGEC Manniram Prashad said, “GOGEC fully supports the Government of Guyana’s measured and diplomatic approach in addressing this long-standing matter.”
We recognise the importance of maintaining strong bilateral relations with Suriname while ensuring that the livelihoods of Guyanese citizens, particularly those in fishing communities along the Corentyne and Berbice coasts, are protected and sustained.”
According to the Chamber, the issue of access to traditional fishing grounds remains a critical concern for many families whose economic well-being depends on these activities. It added that the current limitations on licensing have placed additional financial strain on fisherfolk, underscoring the urgency of a mutually beneficial resolution.
“We commend the Government for its continued engagement with Suriname’s new Administration and its commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and regional partnership. GOGEC is encouraged by the ongoing efforts and remains hopeful that the anticipated follow-up visit will further advance discussions toward a practical and equitable outcome.”

“As an organisation dedicated to national development, GOGEC stands in support of initiatives that promote economic stability, protect livelihoods, and strengthen regional collaboration. We remain confident that through sustained diplomacy and constructive engagement, a resolution can be achieved that benefits both nations,” the missive further detailed.
Only in January, President Dr Irfaan Ali told Guyana Times that Guyana has already engaged Suriname’s new Government and is awaiting a follow-up visit as efforts continue to resolve the long-standing issue.
“We met with the new Government in Suriname, and we’re supposed to have an exchange visit back from that Government with us, so we’re still awaiting that visit,” the President noted earlier this year.
He added, “But we are consistently working with our fisherfolk and the authorities over there.”
The President’s comments come against the backdrop of years of uncertainty for fishing communities along the Corentyne and Berbice coasts, where hundreds of families depend on access to traditional fishing grounds that fall within or close to Suriname’s maritime jurisdiction.
Under Suriname’s existing legal framework, fishing licences are generally issued only to Surinamese nationals or companies, leaving Guyanese fishermen unable to obtain licences directly.
This has forced many to rely on costly arrangements with intermediaries, significantly increasing operational expenses and cutting into already thin profit margins.
In fact, those licensed persons rent the permits to Guyanese fisherfolk at an exorbitant markup. It was previously reported that as many as 250 licenses are being rented annually at fees ranging between US$4000 and US$6000.
Moreover, Guyanese fisherfolk have complained that this high demand locally has led to much corruption, with some licenses being rented to two persons at the same time.
President Ali had previously expressed that his Government is not happy with the way Guyanese fisherfolk are currently treated. However, the Government of Guyana maintained that the matter has to be handled through diplomacy and cooperation, given the importance of preserving strong relations with Suriname while protecting the interests of Guyanese citizens.