PARAMARIBO, SURINAME – Suriname’s Minister of Oil, Gas and Environment Patrick Brunings has reinforced the government’s commitment to deeper integration with Guyana, underscoring the Corentyne Bridge as a key priority for both countries’ economic future.
Addressing business representatives, diplomats and officials gathered at Royal Torarica in Paramaribo at the Suriname Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC) Year-End mixer on December 5, Brunings framed the Suriname-Guyana relationship within a long historical arc. “Million years ago, when the world’s land was one piece (Pangea), we were at the center of the world. Now, it feels like we’re the center of the world again,” he said, pointing to the rapid rise of both nations as emerging oil and gas producers.
Brunings highlighted the natural continuity across the border, noting that Suriname and Guyana “share the forest, culture, people and even the colors of our flags.” He argued that this shared foundation must now translate into tangible infrastructure. “We need to be connected. We need to build the physical bridge,” he said, referring to the long-discussed Corentyne Bridge project.
Suriname and Guyana leaders commit to energy cooperation and Corentyne bridge advancement
The minister also described diplomatic signals of alignment, recalling that the President of Guyana was the first foreign head of state received by Suriname’s new administration – an indication, he said, of the importance placed on bilateral cooperation.
The evening’s program also included the introduction of the theme for the Who’s Who in Suriname Business Directory – 2026 Edition, along with remarks from SGCC leadership, Guyana’s Ambassador to Suriname Virjanand Depoo, ending with a motivational presentation by Kaplan Mobray.
