Organizer of the International Business Conference (IBC), Dr. Vishnu Doerga, issued an apology on Tuesday after the Guyana government and several business groups condemned the use of an incorrect map at the Paramaribo event last week. The map portrayed the New River Triangle as part of Suriname’s territory.
Doerga, who chairs the Suriname-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (SGCC), clarified that the map was used by an invited speaker in a powerpoint presentation. SGCC previously clarified that the map was not part of its materials.
However, Doerga faced flak for comments he made to Stabroek News that the conference respects the beliefs of “whichever country we’re in” because Suriname teaches its citizens that the New River Triangle belongs to them. Guyana’s Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud, said in a Facebook post that every Guyanese, especially leaders, should know the limits of Guyana’s territory, with conviction.
“I do apologize for any misconceptions or grief my personal statement may have caused,” Doerga said in a Facebook video statement.
He also affirmed that the territory belongs to Guyana, stating “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.”
The SGCC Chair said measures have been put in place to prevent a recurrence of the map controversy.
He stressed that the matter is a government-to-government one, and said both Guyana and Suriname are committed to strong and cooperative relations with each other, based on mutual respect and international law.
Otherwise, Doerga said the IBC was a resounding success and continues to drive economic development for Guyana and Suriname.
