Financial analyst Joel Bhagwandin has urged caution in handling the Suriname River fee issue, warning that strategic miscalculation could prove more costly for Guyana than for its Dutch neighbour.
Speaking to Ignite News on Tuesday, the analyst explained that a bilateral resolution should be sought rather than escalation tactics, such as halting talks on the Corentyne River bridge, as purported by a section of the private sector.
He argued that escalating the river fee issue provides no incentive for Suriname to budge. He added that the matter falls outside the jurisdiction of CARICOM, highlighting that it is a bilateral issue involving the use of a river.
Bhagwandin said the notion that Guyana holds leverage through the bridging of the Corentyne is misguided, pointing out that the infrastructure was Guyana’s idea — a grand economic vision of the late President Dr Cheddi Jagan to integrate Guyana into South America, positioning it for greater connectivity, unlocking new opportunities and accessing new markets.
He contended that without the Corentyne Bridge, Suriname would become a competitor to Guyana in terms of regional positioning.
“Because they would advance their own plan to access the Northern arc, opening up the Brazilian market, and they are also situated, like Guyana, on the Atlantic coast,” Bhagwandin noted.
“So they are similarly placed and in a comparable position to compete for that geographical, geo-strategic, continental positioning in terms of market access.”
Bhagwandin suggested that Guyana’s negotiations should address the operation of the river, where maintenance costs could be shared. Separately, he advised that Guyana must now address the unresolved border issues central to Suriname’s river fee position.
