Upper Corentyne communities face uncertainty over imposed Suriname River fees

– as Suriname-Guyana Chamber urges timely, amicable resolution

Communities along the Upper Corentyne region of Guyana are beginning to feel the weight of uncertainty following the imposition of maritime fees by Surinamese authorities for vessels using the Corentyne River-measures residents say could directly affect livelihoods in river-dependent communities such as Orealla. For many in that village, located some 50 miles upriver in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), the issue is not abstract policy but daily survival. The Corentyne River borders Guyana and Suriname, but the Dutch-speaking nation has sovereignty over the critical waterway. Economic activity in Orealla is heavily tied to sand mining, loam extraction and timber production – industries that depend almost entirely on river access. “That will greatly affect my community because Orealla depends on sand, loam mining and timber… this is where the majority of our revenue comes from and we don’t want that economic activity to slow down,” one resident, Stuart Peneux, explained, reflecting a concern widely shared among those who rely on the river for income.
Those concerns have been amplified by reports from business operators at Crabwood Creek, who say vessels are now being required to pay a fee of approximately US$2,500 per trip for what is being described as a ‘pilot licence.’ In addition, operators must engage brokers in Suriname at costs ranging between US$1,000 and US$1,500, along with further charges based on the tonnage of vessels.

Competitive disadvantage
For businesses transporting sand, stone, and lumber along the river, the implications are immediate. Operators warn that the added costs will inevitably be passed down the supply chain, driving up prices and placing Upper Corentyne suppliers at a disadvantage compared to competitors elsewhere in the country.
On Thursday, President Dr Irfaan Ali issued a statement saying that Guyana has written Surinamese authorities to formally protest the institution of the charges and expressed hope in having this issue resolved amicably. The Head of State too cited the impact, especially on Guyanese timber and quarry operators and the trickle-down effect this could have on the local economy. Meanwhile, at the level of the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce (UCCC), the matter is already engaging their attention, even though the body has not yet formally met to discuss the developments. Vice President (VP) of the Chamber, Mohamed Jaichand, said he has raised the issue with the Private Sector Commission (PSC)-the country’s umbrella body, which is expected to engage the relevant authorities, including through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Need for road network
Beyond the immediate concerns, Jaichand pointed to what he described as a long-standing structural issue: Guyana’s continued reliance on river transport for economic activity in the Upper Corentyne. “The position of the Upper Corentyne Chamber is that we have always asked to prioritise building the road from Crabwood Creek straight through to Orealla and I believe this would solve some of the problems,” he said. For years, business leaders have argued that such a road link would reduce dependence on cross-border waterways and provide a more stable and predictable route for the movement of goods. The latest developments have now renewed those calls, with stakeholders suggesting that internal infrastructure may offer a buffer against external policy shifts.
In Orealla however, the focus remains on the immediate impact. Several companies regularly source sand and loam from the community, while timber production continues to support a significant portion of the local economy. The revenue generated not only sustains households but also contributes to community development through royalties and other income streams.
Residents say any disruption to this flow could ripple across the village, affecting jobs, small businesses and community projects alike.
At the same time, however, there is a recognition of the long-standing relationship between Guyana and Suriname, particularly among communities that have historically shared the Corentyne River as a vital economic lifeline.
“I would like Guyana and Suriname to come together and peacefully address this issue… because we see Suriname as a good neighbour,” Peneux said, underscoring a desire for cooperation rather than conflict. On the other hand, the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) has also lent its voice to this issue, calling for it to be addressed through continued diplomatic dialogue and direct engagement between the two Governments. The Chamber, which aims to strengthen trade, investment and private sector cooperation between both countries, said, “Matters of this nature have implications not only for bilateral relations but also for the businesses, operators and communities whose livelihoods depend on predictable and stable cross-border commercial activity.”

Amicable Resolution
Citing Suriname and Guyana’s shared history of neighbourly relations, growing economic ties and a common interest in advancing regional cooperation, the SGCC stressed the importance of managing differences in a spirit of mutual respect, open communication, and constructive problem-solving.
“The Chamber is particularly mindful of the importance of minimising uncertainty for the private sector. For businesses to operate effectively, there must be clarity, consistency, and confidence in the framework governing cross-border trade and transport. Prolonged uncertainty risks disruption to commercial activity and may affect the wider climate for investment and cooperation.”
“In this regard, SGCC respectfully encourages both Governments to continue engaging each other directly, with a view to achieving a practical and mutually acceptable understanding on the way forward. The Chamber remains hopeful that this matter can be resolved in a timely and amicable manner, consistent with the strong relationship between Suriname and Guyana and the shared objective of supporting trade, development and private sector growth in both countries.”
But while Guyana expects the Government of Suriname to reconsider and ultimately desist from any actions that may be perceived as arbitrary or detrimental to the shared objective of deepening cooperation, President Ali has underscored the importance of reciprocity and reminded that Surinamese companies are allowed to operate freely in Guyana.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation in Suriname issued a statement on Thursday evening, saying that the application of maritime charges on the Corentyne River is not new and is based on long-standing statutory provisions and established administrative practice regarding shipping within the Surinamese jurisdiction. These measures, the Surinamese Ministry said, are applied to all vessels in a consistent and non-discriminatory manner in accordance with national legislation and relevant international standards regarding safety, navigation, and the maintenance of waterways.
Nevertheless, the Ministry went on to reaffirm the Surinamese Government’s commitment to maintaining strong, constructive, and future-oriented relations with Guyana.