The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on April 3, 2026 called on the Government of Guyana to halt discussions on the Corentyne River Bridge, citing concerns over Suriname’s recent actions affecting trade and development in Berbice.
The chamber pointed to Suriname’s “recent unilateral imposition of exorbitant fees
for the use of shared waterways,” arguing that it undermines Guyana’s efforts to maintain cooperative relations.
The GCCI stated that “Guyana cannot continue to act in good faith and pursue infrastructural development that will benefit Suriname, even as our Dutch neighbour enforces measures geared towards stymieing the development of Berbice.”
It indicated that the issue reflects longstanding challenges faced by Guyanese businesses and fishermen, noting that “for years, Guyanese businesses and fishermen have lamented the challenges experienced as a result of unfair and one-sided practices by Surinamese authorities that have created obstacles for Guyanese businesses and fishermen.”
The chamber also raised concerns about the movement of goods under the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME), pointing to weak controls. It stated that “lax regulations and controls of ports and Guyana’s respect for the spirit of the CSME has rendered our country vulnerable to the movement of illicit, counterfeit, and harmful products into Guyana.”
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The GCCI identified the products as “cigarettes, banned pesticides and mosquito coils that were found to present significant health risks to consumers,” noting that local manufacturers are affected by unfair competition.
The statement also referenced territorial concerns involving the New River Triangle, stating that “Suriname continues to lay claim to the New River Triangle.”
It recalled past tensions, including the 2000 removal of the CGX rig, stating that “it is recalled that the use of force by Suriname in June 2000 against the CGX rig, delayed first oil by Guyana for some 19 years.”
The GCCI maintained that Guyana should reconsider engagement on joint infrastructure without reciprocity. It stated that “as such, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) calls on the Government of Guyana to halt discussions on the development of the Corentyne River Bridge linking Guyana and Suriname unless these issues are permanently resolved.”
With an estimated cost of US$236 million, the Corentyne River Bridge is expected to span 3.1 kilometers, connecting Moleson Creek in Guyana to South Drain in Suriname, with an additional landing on Long Island in the Corentyne River.
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The bridge’s completion is expected to significantly improve connectivity, facilitate trade and tourism, and further cement the growing economic relations between the two South American nations. Designed to last 100 years, the bridge will accommodate vessels up to 47,000 deadweight tonnage. Beyond its energy and transportation benefits, the project also envisions a commercial hub, featuring hotels, recreational spaces, and farmers’ markets to boost economic development. The Chinese state-owned China Road & Bridge Corporation (CRBC) won the bid for the construction of the bridge.
