By Mark DaCosta- In a significant diplomatic development, Suriname has expressed its objection to Guyana’s recent plans to upgrade an airstrip in the disputed New River Triangle area. The controversy, which has its roots in the 19th century, flared up again this week following public statements from President Irfaan Ali. The disagreement highlights ongoing territorial tensions.
On November 29, Suriname’s Foreign Minister, Albert Ramdin, summoned Guyana’s Ambassador to Paramaribo, Virjanand Depoo, to discuss the issue. During the meeting, Ramdin handed Depoo a formal protest note, expressing Suriname’s concerns over Guyana’s announcement of plans to pave the airstrip at Camp Jaguar, located in the New River Triangle. This land, which covers about 6,000 square miles, has been a point of contention between the two nations for over 150 years. The current disagreement follows President Ali’s statement that the airstrip in the area would be upgraded and construction would begin before the end of the year.
According to some reports, Ramdin’s concerns stemmed from the fact that no consultation had taken place between the Guyanese government and Suriname regarding these plans. Those plans, including upgrading the airstrip and establishing a new school on the nearby Kasjoe Island, could be interpreted as actions taken on Surinamese territory without its permission. According to analysis, Suriname may view those developments as being inconsistent with agreements made between the two nations in 1970 in Chaguaramas, Trinidad, where both countries had agreed on the peaceful resolution of territorial issues.
The tension also arises from a broader historical context. Suriname claims the New River Triangle area, while Guyana asserts its own sovereignty over it. This dispute dates back to 1871, when an explorer first charted the course of the New River, which has since become a key point in the debate over the origins of the Corentyne River. The issue hinges on whether the New River or the Kutari River is the true source of the Corentyne, with both rivers serving as tributaries.
The diplomatic confrontation comes at a time when both nations have worked towards enhancing cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade and infrastructure. Both countries have expressed an interest in joint projects. However, the recent flare-up over the New River Triangle threatens to derail these cooperative efforts. Ramdin’s protest underscores the delicate balance between asserting national sovereignty and maintaining good relations between neighbouring countries.
The long-standing territorial issue has sparked tensions before, including a military confrontation in 1969 when Guyanese forces evicted armed Surinamese personnel from the New River Triangle after diplomatic negotiations failed.
The recent diplomatic exchange over the New River Triangle is a reminder of the enduring nature of the dispute between Guyana and Suriname. Despite efforts to foster cooperation in other areas, the unresolved issue of territorial sovereignty continues to strain relations. For now, the two nations appear to be at an impasse, with Suriname insisting on respecting its territorial integrity and Guyana pushing forward with its plans for infrastructure development in the region.