Inclusion of New River Triangle on Suriname’s map: Guyana’s Foreign Minister reaffirms commitment to sovereignty, meets with Suriname’s Ambassador

…as chair of SGCC backtracks, apologizes for statement on issue

Amid the issue surrounding the New River Triangle map incident at the International Business Conference (IBC) earlier this month, Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd has met with Suriname’s Ambassador to Guyana, Liselle Blankendal.
According to a statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Tuesday’s meeting was arranged at the request of the Surinamese Ambassador. During the meeting, the IBC was discussed, as well as the convening of the Border Commission between Guyana and Suriname.

In the statement, it was also revealed that Ambassador Blankendal “noted the recently circulated reports in the media.” While the statement does not specify those reports, it was noted that that the Ambassador “reiterated Suriname’s commitment to advancing its bilateral partnership with Guyana.”
“The ambassador also reaffirmed the commitment of the Government of Suriname to the Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation Platform (SDCP), between the two countries, and alluded to the immense potential for collaboration to strengthen the bilateral relations.”
Meanwhile, Minister Todd affirmed Guyana’s commitment to the rule of law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. It was also noted that the Minister assured the Ambassador that Guyana remained committed to strengthening its regional cooperation and bilateral ties with Suriname.
The meeting came amid the ongoing backlash to the inclusion of the New River Triangle, an area that is part of Guyana’s territory, in a Surinamese map that was recently on display at the IBC while it was being held in Paramaribo, Suriname. This occurred despite a Guyanese delegation that included the Guyana Ambassador to Suriname Virjanand Depoo being present at the event.
Shortly after the reports became public knowledge, the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry issued a statement pointing out that the internationally recognized boundary between Guyana and Suriname has been settled and agreed upon since 1936, and any depiction suggesting otherwise is inaccurate and does not reflect the legally established boundary.
Additionally, Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, had confirmed on Monday that Guyana has registered objections with the Suriname authorities over the incident. When contacted by this publication, he had affirmed that Guyana will continue to register objection to any and all infringement on Guyana’s territory.

Apology
Meanwhile, Chairman of the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC), Dr Vishnu Doerga recently stirred up controversy of his own over statements he made on the issue. In a comment published in one section of the media, Doerga had said that the false map is one taught in Surinamese schools and had compared it with the map of Guyana taught in local schools and the differing beliefs of the two populations. He had further suggested that the border commission should be left to do its work.
His comments had prompted swift backlash, with the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) headed by Manniram Prashad expressing strong disagreements with him. According to GOGEC, the New River Triangle is and remains an integral part of Guyana.
This, according to GOGEC, is affirmed by internationally recognized legal processes. As such, GOGEC had said that any suggestion that its status is subject to differing “beliefs” is misleading and does not reflect the binding nature of Guyana’s sovereignty over the territory.
Dr Doerga has since backtracked from his initial comments. In a video message on Tuesday, Dr. Doerga apologized for his comments and any harm they may have caused and further assured that steps have been taken by the chamber to prevent a reoccurrence of the controversy at the IBC.
“I do want to confirm my understanding that the New River Triangle is an integral part of Guyana’s sovereign territory, as recognized by international law. I understand that this is a government-to-government matter.”
“Both governments are committed to strong and cooperative relations with each other, guided by principles of mutual respect and international law, and will continue to advance discussions through the mechanism established to address outstanding issues on the border between the two countries.”