Berbice Chamber: Suriname river fees squeezing Upper Corentyne residents and businesses

The Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCC&DA) has warned that newly imposed river fees by Suriname are placing significant strain on residents and businesses along the Upper Corentyne.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Chamber said it had received multiple reports of charges being applied to Guyanese operating vessels on the Corentyne River. The fees, introduced unilaterally by Surinamese authorities, are creating financial hardship and legal uncertainty for communities that rely heavily on the river.

“The Corentyne River is not merely a border; it is a lifeline for our people,” said Samantha Reid, President of the Chamber. She added that the fees threaten longstanding patterns of trade and movement, penalising Guyanese for using a waterway historically used freely for legitimate commerce.

Suriname has said the fees are legitimate charges for use of the Corentyne River, a sovereign waterway under its jurisdiction, and part of routine regulation. The Government of Guyana has raised the matter with Surinamese authorities and is seeking clarification and resolution.

The Chamber criticised the lack of prior consultation by Surinamese authorities or reciprocal agreement and urged the government to continue diplomatic engagement, issue guidance to residents, and increase government presence in affected areas.

Reid warned that, if unresolved, the issue could reduce cross-border trade, raise costs of goods, and deter investment in Region Six.

The BCC&DA said it will continue monitoring developments and encouraged affected residents and businesses to document incidents and report them to the relevant authorities.